THE WORLD NEEDS MY LIGHT

A collection of poetry for children explores self-worth.

This picture book featuring eight poems takes a kid’s-eye view of the world, emphasizing the importance of making mistakes as part of the growing process, being kind, and facing life with bravery and enthusiasm. Beginning with a poem about believing in yourself, the collection continues with ideas about getting better each day, sharing kindness and embracing differences, listening to your feelings, leading by knowing when to ask for help, standing up for what’s right and aiding others, and embracing your uniqueness. The overwhelming positivity of each poem makes this volume a good choice for young readers to speak aloud, instilling self-confidence with phrases like “Wherever I go, I blaze a new trail. / I believe in possibilities, even if I might fail.” The author and the illustrator use characters from previous entries in the Limitless Little Leaders series, including Lovey Livy Lu (2022) and Coco Courageous (2022). Though the names are never given here, the pictured characters serve as a nice connection to the earlier books and may intrigue readers new to the series to look up those adventures. Svobodová’s soft-edged digital art is full of bright colors and kid-friendly action, with a cast of diverse children. Lacqua’s rhymes are solid throughout, and though some phrases in the scansion are shorter than others, each poem lends itself well to sharing with parents.

Positive, inviting, and encouraging poems for young readers.