School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--This book answers a question you never knew you had: What is a purple person? The answer isn't in skin tone or clothing choice, but in personality. A "purple person" is someone who is kind, curious, and silly. Purple is made when red and blue work together. Is this a subtle political allegory for the elementary school set? Penny, the book's young narrator, looks like she may have been modeled off a young Bell, the actress and author of this title, and her classmates are a diverse group. All of the bright illustrations are populated with smiles, laughter, and rainbows. Penny engages in enjoyable activities, like wearing a monster costume to school and helping her grandfather water strawberry bushes. VERDICT Bell and Hart appear to have created the concept of "purple people" for this book, and although the label is nonsensical, the message is inspiring: Ask questions, advocate for positive change, and have fun while collaborating with members of your family and community.--Chance Lee Joyner, Haverhill P.L., MA
Publisher's Weekly Review
"Purple is a magic color made when red and blue work together," writes actor Bell and creative director Hart. Though those too young to know what the hues stand for on the U.S. political map may be a little puzzled by this asserted binary, the authors forge ahead with their kid narrator Penny, an expert and guide to living the purple life. She offers pointers that include being open and curious about the world ("My dad says PURPLE people ask great questions"), making time to laugh ("at donkey dances and hairy elephant knees"), and getting involved ("PURPLE work is the kind of work that's done together to change something that needs changing"). Vignette cartoons by Wiseman (My Brother the Duck) portray Penny's interactions with good-natured grown-ups (she and Grandma giggle over a booger joke) and eager school friends (who use their voices to agitate for more playgrounds); the straightforward images are cheery and bright, with few details or asides that invite lingering. Though the political message may fly under the radar, this book serves as a pep talk for contentious times by caring adults who want a nicer world--and that is no small thing. Ages 3--7. (June)
