'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday 12 April 2010

Review: I Think, I Am!


Title: I Think, I Am!

Author: Louise L Hay and Kristina Tracy

Illustrator: Manuela Schwarz

Publisher: Hay House, A$24.95RRP

Format: Hardcover with dustjacket

ISBN: 978 1 4019 22085

For ages: 3-7

Type: Picture Book

About: The ultimate queen of positivity and zest for life, Louise L Hay, has penned a children’s book centered on the scientifically-proven idea that affirmative thinking has the power to change lives, and – indeed – create literal, physical outcomes that can benefit both individuals and the greater world.

I Think, I Am! opens with a note on the difference between a negative thought and a positive affirmation, and how children can capture negativity and turn it around. It encourages children with a variety of scenarios in a fairground setting.

When a little girl is waiting in the long entrance queue, for example, she begins to think the line is sooo long, she will never get into the fair. On the opposing page, we see a full page illustration of the girl inside the grounds and enjoying the fair, having changed her negative, grumbling thought into, “I make today great!”

A variety of children in different shapes, sizes and colours are used through the book in other scenarios. When a little boy holding a green apple eyes off a row of toffee apples dipped in sprinkles, he momentarily laments his luck before thinking, “I am grateful for what I have,” as he shares his fresh apple with some farmyard piglets.

Each double-page vignette continues to encourage children to see their thoughts for what they are, and take control of the way they perceive life and their place in it. In a world where children are increasingly lamenting and ungrateful for what they already have, this book is a precious way to help kids understand that the way they think creates their reality.

If kids can learn to automatically gear their minds towards positive leanings at a very young age, they’ll have an enormous psychological headstart in life, that’s virtually certain.

With special tips from the master on the best way to do affirmations, this lovely book, packed with bright illustrations, is a beautiful way to teach kids the power of words and the unlimited potential of thought.

Author website

This book is available online