Carlos Aponte is the author-illustrator of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor Book Across the Bay. His artwork has appeared in numerous publications, including the New Yorker, the Washington Post, the New York Times, Elle, and Esquire. He is a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology and lives in New Jersey.

Text and illustration are inseparable in this book that encourages readers to think about the power of words--the ones they think to themselves, and the ones they say out loud. . . . The limited color palette--primary colors plus black and white--is bold and effective, and there are plenty of interesting visuals woven throughout.
--School Library Journal

Offers a reminder of how words can bring you up or down--especially two four letter words: love and hate. Akin to a visual pep talk, this book will complement SEL topics in libraries or classrooms, whether the message reinforced is to build confidence in oneself or to be kind to others. Award-winning illustrator Carlos Aponte uses bold graphics in primary colors to illustrate the message.
--School Library Connection

This bold, bright ode to the power of words blends colorful art with the words themselves. The message is that words matter, and choosing the best and kindest ones makes a difference. . . . Using kind words for yourself and others is 'like a magical spell' that brings light to the world -- and this sunny book encourages readers to do just that.
--The Virginian Pilot