I really wanted to like this one. The illustrations are wonderful and the little girl with the pink rabbit so reminded me of myself as a child. Of course that could be part of the reason I didn’t care for this. Everyone worries some times and feel sad or lonely. It’s okay. The first thing this book does is tell you to put those feelings in a bucket. Go ahead, try. It isn’t that easy. Then there are lots of beautiful pictures and fun animal characters. One even makes the little girl’s favorite dessert so she can eat her feelings (see, here’s where it hits a little close to home). The author’s blurb in the back even states that he eats cookies when he’s feeling blue. Now, I’m not saying a tasty treat baked with love is a bad thing, but can we not pretend it solves any problems? It’s also okay to not be happy all the time. Being a kid is hard enough without that expectation. I will keep this book because of the illustrations and to remind myself of lessons it took me a lifetime to learn. ( )

The illustrations in this book are dream-like and gorgeous, and reinforce a calming, introspective tone. I love the idea the book expresses of taking a moment for yourself and looking inward for strength and escape when the world is too much. A beautiful message and a lovely bedtime read. ( )

This is a beautifully illustrated book about how children can escape into their imaginations. Some kids will enjoy this, though I'm not sure that telling kids to avoid negative emotions by escaping into an imaginary world is helpful advice. The illustrations are the best part, they are beautiful and filled with creative details. ( )

I am already a big fan of LaRochelle, usually because his books are so hilarious and clever, always storytime favorites and great for reading aloud. Isle of You is a different book though; it is rather quiet but loses none of LaRochelle's wit. The first pages start with a sad young child and an invitation to explore the "Isle of You" to turn things around. Depictions of the Isle are magical, fantastical and fun (pink forests, a castle, roller skating polar bears and of course lots of dessert). The narrator breaks the fourth wall and seems to be talking to both the character and the reader, allowing lots of opportunity for young readers to participate in the fun. It ends with affirmations of love and reassurance that this safe place is always there when you need it. But really, the best thing is the wordplay that I will admit I missed in my first reading but now can't unhear "....the next time you're feeling sad, remember...Isle of You" telling young readers to remember both the silly joy of a pretend happy place but also that they are loved, unconditionally and always. Isle of You...I Love You! ( )

Isle of You by David LaRochelle is a wonderful, emotionally educational journey from sadness to happiness. It is an instructional guide of sorts in how to self-sooth for children. The illustrations by Jaime Kim are colorful yet calming. As they sail from a tough day to the magical island that is all her favorite things, I was filled with joy as I read about the character soaring on an eagle, relaxing in a hammock, or watching the polar bears dancing in tutus and roller skates.
This would be a great book to start a conversation or mini lesson on emotions and how to identify and cope with them. ( )