About this book

NAACP Image Award Nominee!

Zoe embraces all the wonders of our world and its infinite possibilities. "I can be anything I want to be!" she tells us, presenting herself in a range of careers. "But what if you fail?" asks a voice of doubt that attempts to undermine her confidence.

Bold and sassy, Zoe swats the voice away at every turn, declaring her certainty with a charisma that will encourage us all to silence our fears. Why can't a girl grow up to be President? Zoe can! When the voice of doubt continues, Zoe knows exactly what to say:

"Go away, voice... I can be anything... but first, I have to learn to read. And don't tell me I can't!"

Caldecott Award-winner Diane Dillon has created a winning character who defies anything to hold her back from achieving her goals. And the key to Zoe's future success begins when Zoe defiantly opens her book, making it clear that both confidence and reading are tools we all need to make our dreams come true.

Reviews

Praise for I Can Be Anything! Don't Tell Me I Can't by Diane Dillon

* "A young girl of color challenges the voice of fear and dissent in Dillon's first solo picture book....the ultimate in can-do power. Thoughtful and affirming." -- Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Praise for the work of Leo & Diane Dillon:

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A Caldecott Medal Winner
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year

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An ALA Notable Children's Book

Many Thousand Gone: African Americans From Slavery to Freedom
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A Jefferson Cup Award Winner

The People Could Fly
A Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year
A Parents' Choice Award Winner

Rap a Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles Think of That!
A Coretta Scott King Book Award Winner
A Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
A Parents' Choice Award Winner