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I met Christian Robinson in 2016 when he toured the U.S. with Matt de la Peña for Last Stop on Market Street, their picture book that had recently won the Newbery Medal. As he autographed my copy of the book, I asked Christian Robinson if he had considered writing as well as illustrating. From a young age, artwork was the way he best connected with story, he told me; writing a book was a definite goal, but he felt he needed to refine his style before becoming a published author. Four years later that goal met reality in You Matter, a graceful ode to those feeling lost and unmoored, unsure if their lives are important to anyone besides themselves. If that question has ever crossed your mind, this book attempts to allay your fears.

"Sometimes home is far away.
Sometimes someone you love says good-bye.
Sometimes you feel lost and alone.
But you matter."

â€Äì°ù´Ç³¾ You Matter

If you feel too young, small, or insignificant for anyone but your family to notice, you still matter. Maybe you follow trends, or go against the grain and do your own thing, but either way you are important. Whether you're privileged or poor, annoying as a mosquito or the alpha of your herd, you have a profound effect in the world. Whether you're impacted by others or do the impacting yourself, you make a difference. Catastrophe may come like a comet from the sky, leading to painful losses or isolation, but your value does not diminish even if you feel it has. In nature or the city, as a child or an elderly person, your life is important, and this book asks you to remember that.

You Matter may have been Christian Robinson's finest illustration work to that point in his career. The blue ocean waves teeming with microorganisms, and the strong, thickset tree bursting with greenery in the park, are immensely appealing to the eye. Some aspects of the narrative are hard to keep up with, but the message is nice, and I'm glad Christian Robinson found his storytelling voice through words as well as art. My favorite book he was involved in is Last Stop on Market Street, but his illustrations for You Matter may be even more engaging. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of children who will love it as it deserves.