“The World We Choose” by Kevin Kunkel

The World We Choose
Kevin Kunkel
Beaver’s Pond Press (2020)
ISBN: 9781643438962
Reviewed by Lydia (age 6) for Reader Views Kids (1/21)

“The World We Choose” by Kevin Kunkel is how the world is a pretty good place and not a bad or scary one. It can be scary when mean things happen and when mean or bad people are shown on TV. The book tells us that even though bad things are happening, we don’t need to be afraid. It says that more people are doing good things around the world than they were in the past. More and new inventions have been made that help people with their health and with their time (like getting to places quicker). The book does say that there are still bad things that happen, like kids stealing from other kids, but then it’s okay in the end because they become friends.  

Lots of good things about the world are mentioned in “The World We Choose.” Some of my favorites are people going to the moon, getting to ride in airplanes (which I haven’t done yet, but really want to), and talking to people on our phones (like grandma and grandpa). I like that some pictures show people throwing away trash and recycling; I enjoy doing this too. I like toys picked up so that they don’t get stepped on and trash, too, so the room doesn’t get stinky. On some of the other pages, I like that there are people in the book with different colored skin, not just white people.

Opening the book, I like the pictures of animals on the front and back covers; they look cute. All the pictures have lots of colors and show people doing fun and helpful things. The story is just the right length. It makes me think of the world as being a good place, especially when I can see and play with my friends.

Note from Mom: “The World We Choose” is a pretty neutral book. It makes a tiny reference to racism and sexual orientation in one illustration on signs people are holding. Overall, it has a positive vibe to it. Like Lydia mentioned, it is inclusive of all people. The story gets its message across that the bad is easy to see, but if you look hard enough and with a purpose, you will find lots of good, too. This story would be great for kids any age, as we all have trouble seeing the good around us, especially in these trying times.