Summary of I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde

Explore the heartwarming insights of 'I Am Human' by Susan Verde, a delightful read that encourages empathy and kindness for all ages.

Ah, I Am Human: A Book of Empathy, the delightful little gem that might just make you rethink your entire existence- or at least make you have a warm and fuzzy feeling for a few moments. Written by the oh-so-wise Susan Verde, this illustrated masterpiece is designed not only to entertain but to inspire some serious face-palming reflection on what it means to be, well, human. Spoiler alert: It's less about eating pizza and binge-watching Netflix, and more about feelings and empathy. Shocking, I know.

So, what's the deal? In a world overrun by social media drama and a never-ending cycle of cat videos, Verde takes us on a 32-page journey through the very essence of humanity. The book serves as an engaging introduction to the concept of empathy for young readers, which, let's be real, is something we could all use a refresher on, regardless of our age.

The narrative is as simple as it is profound. It begins by affirming that yes, you are human! And what does that mean? It means you have feelings! (Hold the applause, please.) Verde explains that being human involves experiencing a cocktail of emotions-joy, sadness, anger, and even confusion. You know, like when you realize your favorite ice cream flavor is sold out. Tragic.

As the pages turn, our young protagonist navigates through the trials and tribulations of life. Yes, there are moments of triumph, like helping a friend, but also sad bits that remind us of the importance of understanding other people's feelings. The book teaches us to wear our empathy hats (not a real thing, but you get the point) and to tap into the emotional vibes of those around us.

And let's not forget the illustrations! They're visually stunning and just whimsical enough to keep even the most distracted child intrigued. Imagine a world where feeling for others is as cool as the latest video game. That's the vibe Verde goes for, and she nails it.

In the grand tapestry of I Am Human, there's a twist at the end-because what's a good story without a twist? The closing pages invite readers to accept their imperfections and remind them that it's totally okay to mess up sometimes. You won't find any pressure to be the perfect human here; instead, there's a beautiful call to simply be the best version of yourself while remembering that others are on their own messy journeys too.

By the end of this delightful read, you might find yourself feeling just a pinch more understanding and ready to approach life with a little more compassion. Or at least be a decent human at your next family gathering.

So there you have it! A quick yet profound exploration of what it means to be human, serving as a gentle nudge toward kindness and empathy wrapped in charming illustrations. I Am Human isn't just a book; it's a mini-manifesto for living a better life- one empathetic moment at a time. Who knew a children's book could pack such a punch? Go ahead, embrace your humanity! Just don't forget to spread those good vibes along the way.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.