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I Like Myself!
High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.
About the Author:
KAREN BEAUMONT's picture books include Being Friends, illustrated by Joy Allen, and Louella Mae, She's Run Away!, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. She lives in Capitola, California.
DAVID CATROW is a political cartoonist and the illustrator of many popular books for children, including the Book Sense 76 Top Ten selection Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland. He lives in Springfield, Ohio.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.
About the Author:
KAREN BEAUMONT's picture books include Being Friends, illustrated by Joy Allen, and Louella Mae, She's Run Away!, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. She lives in Capitola, California.
DAVID CATROW is a political cartoonist and the illustrator of many popular books for children, including the Book Sense 76 Top Ten selection Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland. He lives in Springfield, Ohio.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2004
About the author
Karen Beaumont
31 books75 followersKaren Beaumont is the New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning picture books. She lives in Scotts Valley, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 963 reviews
January 22, 2018
I could tell right away that this book's illustrator was white, because of his unfortunate portrayal of a Black child. The part that stands out to me as particularly hard to read is the spread that begins, "Even when I look a mess..." and depicts the young girl in bed with her hair caricatured into what looks like an afro (the hairstyle shown in this illustration is a marked difference from the dreadlocks that the main character was wearing before). The implication that Black girls' natural hair is inherently "a mess" is racist and deeply damaging; it regurgitates dominant cultural norms that devalues Black people's bodies and pressures them to conform to white standards of beauty. As a non-Black person of color, I wanted to be sure that my dismay wasn't misguided -- but found that another reviewer also found this book offensive: https://colorfulbookreviews.wordpress...
Here's a great example of why #ownvoices stories are so crucial. Sometimes, white children's book authors portray Black children with respect and celebration (such as Ezra Jack Keats, in my opinion). But too often, biases show up on the page and do no justice to Black children's brilliance and lives.
Here's a great example of why #ownvoices stories are so crucial. Sometimes, white children's book authors portray Black children with respect and celebration (such as Ezra Jack Keats, in my opinion). But too often, biases show up on the page and do no justice to Black children's brilliance and lives.
May 13, 2021
Although the sentiment isn’t new— and generally a little harder to convince— the illustrations more than make up for it in this life lesson on self-esteem!
January 25, 2019
4..Well deserved stars...
A fun and empowering read!! I Like Myself will definitely keep any reader, young or old, entertained and excited about who he or she is. The rhymes are abundant. The illustrations are fun and whimsical. Yet, the message is very clear. BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE!! EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUENESS!!
A fun and empowering read!! I Like Myself will definitely keep any reader, young or old, entertained and excited about who he or she is. The rhymes are abundant. The illustrations are fun and whimsical. Yet, the message is very clear. BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE!! EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUENESS!!
April 10, 2011
I can’t help but like this book. The rhyme is good: catchy and funny (with its accompanying illustrations) and its sentiments are well intentioned. And, it did remind me of a Dr. Seuss book, which is praise from me. And, the pictures are very colorful, large, vibrant, and would be bordering on garish but for their wonderful whimsical content. They’re a lot of fun.
The humor and sweetness of the rhyme surpassed, by a bit, my wariness of the message. Self esteem does not come from children receiving undeserved praise or telling them they like themselves. I’m afraid this picture book story’s aim is to convey the message that if children say “I like myself.” it means their sense of self esteem will rise to healthy levels. But, then I told myself to cool it and enjoy it for the amusing and joyous story that it is. Its silliness is likely to tickle children’s fancies.
Read
July 13, 2013While this book was a obvious advocate for being in love with self, I would use this book with the teaching of opposites in my classroom. There are a lot of descriptions of things that are opposite of each other, so once I got to the pages that presented those opposites I would stop and ask questions that bring recognition to the things that were opposite on that page. Things like being wild versus being tamed or fast versus slow. I would also have the children act out some of the actions to let them visually see the differences in some of the opposites.
March 13, 2019
Reading Karen Beaumont's I Like Myself! - a self-esteem picture-book with both textual and visual references to the classic work of Dr. Seuss - this morning on my morning commute, and then comparing my reactions to those of almost every other online reviewer, I once again have that strange feeling that I am out of step with the current zeitgeist. I know that the received wisdom these days when it comes to child development is that the promotion of self esteem is paramount, but the sing-songy self affirmation here just felt a little... well, narcissistic. Our cute-as-a-button narrator informs us that she likes herself, and she informs us repeatedly. In any and all circumstances. Regardless of what others think. Because "I'm me," she tells us...
Perhaps this one struck such a sour note with me because I read it at the same time as another picture-book (Eric A. Kimmel's Rosh Hashanah story, Gershon's Monster ) that emphasized how disastrous the consequences can be, for ourselves and for others, when we refuse to really acknowledge our transgressions, but I finished this story with the feeling (one I've had increasingly, of late) that it was promoting, however unintentionally, feelings at the expense of ethics. Don't mistake me: I want children to like themselves, generally speaking. But I'm not on board with the message that they should always like themselves, in every circumstance, and regardless of the feelings and opinions of others. That sensation of self loathing, when we do wrong, is called conscience, and it would be a pretty horrific world without it.
Now, I understand that this is meant to be a lighthearted picture-book 'romp,' and I imagine that there are those who will respond by thinking I am either a) taking it too seriously, or b) underestimating the importance of self esteem building, in a negative world. All I can say in response is a) I'm a pretty serious person, and b) although I do believe feelings are important, if forced to choose between feelings and ethics, I'd choose ethics every time.
Perhaps this one struck such a sour note with me because I read it at the same time as another picture-book (Eric A. Kimmel's Rosh Hashanah story, Gershon's Monster ) that emphasized how disastrous the consequences can be, for ourselves and for others, when we refuse to really acknowledge our transgressions, but I finished this story with the feeling (one I've had increasingly, of late) that it was promoting, however unintentionally, feelings at the expense of ethics. Don't mistake me: I want children to like themselves, generally speaking. But I'm not on board with the message that they should always like themselves, in every circumstance, and regardless of the feelings and opinions of others. That sensation of self loathing, when we do wrong, is called conscience, and it would be a pretty horrific world without it.
Now, I understand that this is meant to be a lighthearted picture-book 'romp,' and I imagine that there are those who will respond by thinking I am either a) taking it too seriously, or b) underestimating the importance of self esteem building, in a negative world. All I can say in response is a) I'm a pretty serious person, and b) although I do believe feelings are important, if forced to choose between feelings and ethics, I'd choose ethics every time.
April 3, 2011
I purchased this book because I wanted some books in my home library that taught my daughter to love and be herself. I love I Like Myself! and so does my soon to be 22 month old daughter. We both enjoyed the rhythm of the book written in rhymes. My daughter thought the little girl was "funny". I found her quite delightful, I could feel the happiness she exudes while reading this book. As I was reading, I was reminded of Dr. Suess. The illustrations were brilliant, humorous, and colorful. We both agree this is a wonderful addition to our family library. We smile every time I read it!
October 17, 2016
I Like Myself! (Wanda Gág Read Aloud Book Award winner, 2005) is a children’s book that displays a little girl who likes herself, just as she is, for things that would be considered unconventional (wild hair and beaver teeth). Children will love this book for it’s catchy rhyming and beautiful, colorful illustrations. She is so full of joy and exudes this throughout the entire book. This book highlights that no matter what someone says about you, your self worth and self esteem are something that come from only yourself - a message I personally appreciate. This would best suit grades K-3. Although there are many ‘self esteem’ books, this one is special in it’s not-so-serious nature, teaching even me that it’s okay to love things about yourself that aren’t necessarily ‘pretty’ either.
This book could be used with children of color or in a classroom to display that beauty and talent knows no bounds. In a world where it’s easy to feel like your hair or skin is not the right color or texture, this book grinds against that ideal beauty. I found it interesting that she seems to be the only person of color in the book, all other people appear to be white.
This children’s book is perfect for an inclusive class, to recognize that everyone is great and for different reasons (“Some people are fast, some are good at building blocks, some have cool iPads that help them talk!”). Children could interact with this book by brainstorming ways in which they like themselves. Overall, the way this children’s book ignores societal expectations and encourages children to revel in their uniqueness is refreshing and is what makes this a WOW book for me. Artwork is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss.
This book could be used with children of color or in a classroom to display that beauty and talent knows no bounds. In a world where it’s easy to feel like your hair or skin is not the right color or texture, this book grinds against that ideal beauty. I found it interesting that she seems to be the only person of color in the book, all other people appear to be white.
This children’s book is perfect for an inclusive class, to recognize that everyone is great and for different reasons (“Some people are fast, some are good at building blocks, some have cool iPads that help them talk!”). Children could interact with this book by brainstorming ways in which they like themselves. Overall, the way this children’s book ignores societal expectations and encourages children to revel in their uniqueness is refreshing and is what makes this a WOW book for me. Artwork is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss.
April 26, 2011
This is a cute story with an obvious message--liking yourself no matter what others think! I enjoyed it, but I think the silliness will appeal to children more than it did to me. I'm also not sure the illustrations were quite my cup of tea, but I appreciated them. I don't think I could say it better than my friend Lisa did when she wrote of this book's message, "Self esteem does not come from children receiving undeserved praise or telling them they like themselves. I’m afraid this picture book story’s aim is to convey the message that if children say 'I like myself.' it means their sense of self esteem will rise to healthy levels. But, then I told myself to cool it and enjoy it for the amusing and joyous story that it is. Its silliness is likely to tickle children’s fancies." I felt the same!
April 8, 2018
This is a children’s book about liking yourself for who you are.
January 14, 2022
Text to Text Connection
The book I like myself reminds me of another book titled What I Like About me.
Both books tell the story of children recognizing that they are different, and it is ok to be that.
I like Myself is about a girl saying no matter what anyone thinks she still likes herself. What I like about me talks about how Children are all different some may have braces; others could have long hair. Both Books teaches self-love, and that everyone is different. However, you must love yourself no matter what. I love how both authors point out different things children often worry about like hair or how they look to others. I think both books teach children that in a world where fitting in is the norm, it is great to be different and have your own way. The most important thing is both books teach that you should love yourself and what others think does not matter.
The book I like myself reminds me of another book titled What I Like About me.
Both books tell the story of children recognizing that they are different, and it is ok to be that.
I like Myself is about a girl saying no matter what anyone thinks she still likes herself. What I like about me talks about how Children are all different some may have braces; others could have long hair. Both Books teaches self-love, and that everyone is different. However, you must love yourself no matter what. I love how both authors point out different things children often worry about like hair or how they look to others. I think both books teach children that in a world where fitting in is the norm, it is great to be different and have your own way. The most important thing is both books teach that you should love yourself and what others think does not matter.
May 21, 2012
Listened to the audio of this. Very sweet child's voice. Silly rhyming text worked well with the exaggerated illustrations of how funny children can be. This is a book to share with kindergarten or 1st graders to show extreme ways that children different on the outside. Tall, short, curly or straight hair, different facial features that may not be the norm - just does not matter to this little girl. She is happy to be who she is. I am going to use this book as a read aloud for our end of year project. Our 1st grade class is going to write a line or two, to each of the other students telling them something positive, fun, silly, great, nice, sweet etc. about him or her. At the end of the project, I will put the pages together for each of my students so that they have a book about themselves from their first grade friends. I have been thinking about doing this and this book is a fun way to begin.
November 4, 2019
Text- to - Self
This book is just the cutest! Growing up I was always happy with the skin I was in. Just like the main character in the book. She was weird, funny, happy and did not care about what anyone had to say. This book is good for a lesson on loving yourself. Teachers could use this book to show students its okay to be yourself and love every thing about yourself; rather weird, funny, or cool.
This book is just the cutest! Growing up I was always happy with the skin I was in. Just like the main character in the book. She was weird, funny, happy and did not care about what anyone had to say. This book is good for a lesson on loving yourself. Teachers could use this book to show students its okay to be yourself and love every thing about yourself; rather weird, funny, or cool.
February 27, 2019
3 I'm glad I'm me STARS
Este libro es parte de la antología Girl Power 5 Minute Stories.
Esta historia nos enseña un mensaje muy importante, querernos sin importada nuestros defectos.
Y lo hace de manera sencilla, concisa y muy divertida.
Las ilustraciones no me gustaron, el estilo simplemente no me convenció.
Este libro es parte de la antología Girl Power 5 Minute Stories.
Esta historia nos enseña un mensaje muy importante, querernos sin importada nuestros defectos.
Y lo hace de manera sencilla, concisa y muy divertida.
Las ilustraciones no me gustaron, el estilo simplemente no me convenció.
Read
July 11, 2015I would use this book as a social studies book. I would use it as a method for getting the children to look at the positive attributes they each have and we could use it as an all about me kick-off book.
December 12, 2014
The sweetest, nicest book ever. I love the message (of course), the adorable illustrations, rhyme scheme, and the zaniness. I bought it immediately.
January 13, 2022
Text-to-Text Connections
The story, I Like Myself, reminds me of some of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. The theme is very reminiscent with its rhyming and very catchy words. I feel like the author Karen Beaumont does a great job with catching the readers attention and keeping it because of her artistic expression with words just like Dr. Seuss. It is easy to see the cleverness behind the words and it is a very intriguing read from start to finish. David Cattrow, the illustrator of I Like Myself, does a great job with the bold color choices that command attention with every page. Dr. Seuss also had very impactful and vibrant illustrations in his books and that kept the reader fully engaged.
The story, I Like Myself, reminds me of some of my favorite Dr. Seuss books. The theme is very reminiscent with its rhyming and very catchy words. I feel like the author Karen Beaumont does a great job with catching the readers attention and keeping it because of her artistic expression with words just like Dr. Seuss. It is easy to see the cleverness behind the words and it is a very intriguing read from start to finish. David Cattrow, the illustrator of I Like Myself, does a great job with the bold color choices that command attention with every page. Dr. Seuss also had very impactful and vibrant illustrations in his books and that kept the reader fully engaged.
October 15, 2019
[As a first-grader] I love reading the book aloud because of the word rhymes. The pictures are funny, and the little girl seems to be full of energy, just like me. I think she is very brave and confident, as she loves herself inside and out. She loves her body, emotions, and behaviors, and doesn’t care about what others think of her. I agree that we are unique and I like myself too. However, that doesn’t mean we can just do whatever we like. For example, the girl jumped onto something that looks like a tall water fountain or flower basin (by the way, the pages are not numbered) — ”I’m having too much fun, you see, for anything to bother me!” Well, i AM bothered because what if she gets injured? What if she breaks the property? For me, I think it’s good that we appreciate our uniqueness, but we need to follow rules, such as stay safe and respect others. For this reason, I like the book “I Am Who I Am” by Bruno Hächler and Iris Wolferman better. It’s a board book for younger kids, and encourages children to explore who they are, “ I’m everything that I can be. I’m the person who is me!”
[As the parent helping my first-grader read and write] To be frank, I have mixed feelings toward this book. On the positive side, the words were carefully chosen to form catchy rhymes. The pictures were colorful and vibrant, and reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ style. The content focused on appreciating ourselves for who we are, both physically and mentally, in order to foster and establish self-esteem. However, we as individuals belong to a family, a classroom, a team, a workplace and in all, a society. There are established norms and rules that individuals are expected to follow, especially for young children. If my child has “beaver breath” or “stinky toes”, she needs to brush her teeth or wash her feet more often, or go see a doctor if needed. I personally wouldn’t encourage my child to claim she’d still like herself that way. It’s controversial about having “hippo hips” and I respect each side of the argument. However, if it’s due to lack of exercise or unhealthy food choice, I would encourage my child to exercise more and eat more balanced meal. To summarize, I would like to encourage children to (1) be proud of who they are, as this book promotes, (2) take good care of their body by making appropriate choices, and (3) learn to appreciate others and the world around us.
[As the parent helping my first-grader read and write] To be frank, I have mixed feelings toward this book. On the positive side, the words were carefully chosen to form catchy rhymes. The pictures were colorful and vibrant, and reminds me of Dr. Seuss’ style. The content focused on appreciating ourselves for who we are, both physically and mentally, in order to foster and establish self-esteem. However, we as individuals belong to a family, a classroom, a team, a workplace and in all, a society. There are established norms and rules that individuals are expected to follow, especially for young children. If my child has “beaver breath” or “stinky toes”, she needs to brush her teeth or wash her feet more often, or go see a doctor if needed. I personally wouldn’t encourage my child to claim she’d still like herself that way. It’s controversial about having “hippo hips” and I respect each side of the argument. However, if it’s due to lack of exercise or unhealthy food choice, I would encourage my child to exercise more and eat more balanced meal. To summarize, I would like to encourage children to (1) be proud of who they are, as this book promotes, (2) take good care of their body by making appropriate choices, and (3) learn to appreciate others and the world around us.
April 6, 2011
Category: Grades K-3, Book #14
This is a story about a little girl who likes herself no matter what she looks like and no matter what others think of her. It is a poem book that kids will easily love right away. The pictures that go with it are wonderful and make the story come alive. I use this book at the beginning of the year when I talk about differences in others, why it's important to honor them, and to not judge people by the way they look. Students can make portraits of themselves and use as a discussion piece as well, perhaps even post them in the room to celebrate all year!
Critic reviews from Barnes & Noble.com:
- School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-This curly haired African-American moppet really likes herself. No matter what she does, wherever she goes, or what others think of her, she likes herself because, as she says, "I'm ME!" Catrow's watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations bring even more humor to the funny verse. The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle. Even with "-stinky toes/or horns protruding from my nose," her dog loves her unconditionally. She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too-even when she has purple polka-dotted lips. Titles such as Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me (2002) and Kathi Appelt's Incredible Me! (2003, both HarperCollins) have a similar theme, but the main characters are Caucasian. A great addition.-Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
This is a story about a little girl who likes herself no matter what she looks like and no matter what others think of her. It is a poem book that kids will easily love right away. The pictures that go with it are wonderful and make the story come alive. I use this book at the beginning of the year when I talk about differences in others, why it's important to honor them, and to not judge people by the way they look. Students can make portraits of themselves and use as a discussion piece as well, perhaps even post them in the room to celebrate all year!
Critic reviews from Barnes & Noble.com:
- School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-This curly haired African-American moppet really likes herself. No matter what she does, wherever she goes, or what others think of her, she likes herself because, as she says, "I'm ME!" Catrow's watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations bring even more humor to the funny verse. The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle. Even with "-stinky toes/or horns protruding from my nose," her dog loves her unconditionally. She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too-even when she has purple polka-dotted lips. Titles such as Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me (2002) and Kathi Appelt's Incredible Me! (2003, both HarperCollins) have a similar theme, but the main characters are Caucasian. A great addition.-Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
October 30, 2012
This book caught my eye right away from the bright colored cover and the bold statement of the title “I Like Myself!” Throughout the story a little girl tells how she likes everything about herself from her wild hair to her beaver teeth. This energetic fiction book teaches young students all about self-esteem. As a teacher I would this book in a center by pointing out some of the great adjectives this book uses throughout the text. (Ex. Purple polka dot lips) Having the students play around with adjective words and having cut out pictures to go along with the words in the story would be a way to explain what descriptive words mean to the classroom. The girl in the book seems to be an African American girl, although that is not clearly stated in the book. Although the Author and the Illustrated come from a different background they do an excellent job with connecting the main point of this story with the illustrations to along with that message. In searching for books that have to do with gender stereotypes and or gender identity issues, I found this book helpful. It covered the fact that no matter whom you are, you should like yourself and take pride in that. I would recommend this book to other teachers because the message it teachers about liking yourself no matter what is something that all children should hear. It is fun read to get your students interested into the subject, they will not be bored while you read this book to them.
October 30, 2012
The book I Like Myself is a fiction story. It is about a young girl who loves everything about herself. The young girl accepts herself flaws and all. She makes reference to liking her eyes, ears, nose, fingers, and toes, not liking herself any less when she looks a mess, and not being bothered when people stare because she knows there is more to herself than her appearance.
As a literacy teacher, I would use this text in the classroom to show students how some authors use rhyme to help the flow of telling a story. The students could interact with the text by looking at the illustrations and thinking about something they may ot like about themselves, but realizing that we all have flaws and it is important to embrace them. They could then draw a self-portrait and write about why they like themselves, using rhyme.
Not much information was available about the author, Karen Beaumont, or the illustrator, David Catron; however it would have been helpful to know if their background contributed to the content in the book. This text can teach children to love themselves and that it is okay to be different, you should just be comfortable with yourself. I would recommend this book to teachers because it shows children people are not locked into a certain role in life due to race or gender, and to also be accepting of others around us.
As a literacy teacher, I would use this text in the classroom to show students how some authors use rhyme to help the flow of telling a story. The students could interact with the text by looking at the illustrations and thinking about something they may ot like about themselves, but realizing that we all have flaws and it is important to embrace them. They could then draw a self-portrait and write about why they like themselves, using rhyme.
Not much information was available about the author, Karen Beaumont, or the illustrator, David Catron; however it would have been helpful to know if their background contributed to the content in the book. This text can teach children to love themselves and that it is okay to be different, you should just be comfortable with yourself. I would recommend this book to teachers because it shows children people are not locked into a certain role in life due to race or gender, and to also be accepting of others around us.
September 29, 2019
It's a story about a little girl who sees herself as someone special by highlighting something special about herself.
Although this is not an award winning book, it has great cultural representation of the character and highlights the special quality of the young girl in the story. Many children can relate to this book as they can see themselves as part of the whole although they may not look like or feel like everyone else. It's a great book for teaching children to feel content about their own special qualities that makes them unique.
Teachers can use this book to support children's social and emotional development to teach and understanding everyone's unique qualities. Teachers may want to use questions to help children to brainstorm different vocabularies to describe themselves such as joyful, fantastic or wonderful.
Young children will be particularly interested to read this as it is a fun book to read and the character is full of spirit. Many of my students will be able to relate to her to the young girls eccentric taste.
Teachers can use it for mini lessons in the classroom and talk about how we can appreciate the difference in others such as our size, color, the way we dress or speak. It allows children to highlight the similarities rather than difference and can promote the understanding of other's perspective.
Although this is not an award winning book, it has great cultural representation of the character and highlights the special quality of the young girl in the story. Many children can relate to this book as they can see themselves as part of the whole although they may not look like or feel like everyone else. It's a great book for teaching children to feel content about their own special qualities that makes them unique.
Teachers can use this book to support children's social and emotional development to teach and understanding everyone's unique qualities. Teachers may want to use questions to help children to brainstorm different vocabularies to describe themselves such as joyful, fantastic or wonderful.
Young children will be particularly interested to read this as it is a fun book to read and the character is full of spirit. Many of my students will be able to relate to her to the young girls eccentric taste.
Teachers can use it for mini lessons in the classroom and talk about how we can appreciate the difference in others such as our size, color, the way we dress or speak. It allows children to highlight the similarities rather than difference and can promote the understanding of other's perspective.
October 26, 2015
I Like Myself is about a little girl that expresses her self-esteem in imaginative ways, thus, teaching children how to improve their self-esteem no matter what life throws at them. It is also a fun rhyming story with colorful imagery.
The target audience for this book is somewhere between ages 4-8. At this age is where children are already developing a slight bit of self-conscienceness, especially between ages 6-8. Representation is very important in a children's picture book, and self-esteem inrichment is a great idea to tackle.
Children would like this book for it's colorful and fun imagery and rhyming dialogue. It also uses silly words such as beaver breath and horns to enhance the message in the story.
I like the overall message "Love yourself no matter what" as it is described in creative yet silly ways. The illustrations are very reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss story with it's surreal imagery. However, it has a nice colored pencil style and the fact that the main character is depicted as POC or Person of Color ( in this case African American ) is a great example of diversity without using tokenism.
The target audience for this book is somewhere between ages 4-8. At this age is where children are already developing a slight bit of self-conscienceness, especially between ages 6-8. Representation is very important in a children's picture book, and self-esteem inrichment is a great idea to tackle.
Children would like this book for it's colorful and fun imagery and rhyming dialogue. It also uses silly words such as beaver breath and horns to enhance the message in the story.
I like the overall message "Love yourself no matter what" as it is described in creative yet silly ways. The illustrations are very reminiscent of a Dr. Seuss story with it's surreal imagery. However, it has a nice colored pencil style and the fact that the main character is depicted as POC or Person of Color ( in this case African American ) is a great example of diversity without using tokenism.
October 14, 2013
Title / Author / Publication Date:
I like myself! / Karen Beaumont. / 2004.
Genre: Fiction.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
In rhyming text, a little girl expresses confidence and joy in her uniqueness, no matter her outward appearance" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-confidence, respect
Review citation:
“The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle … She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too–even when she has purple polka-dotted lips” (Elaine Lesh Morgan in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
Best Books for Children Preschool through Grade 6 (9th ed.)
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 6.
I like myself! / Karen Beaumont. / 2004.
Genre: Fiction.
Format: Picturebook - print.
Plot summary:
In rhyming text, a little girl expresses confidence and joy in her uniqueness, no matter her outward appearance" (NoveList).
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory:
self-esteem, self-acceptance, self-confidence, respect
Review citation:
“The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle … She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too–even when she has purple polka-dotted lips” (Elaine Lesh Morgan in School Library Journal).
Section source used to find the material:
Best Books for Children Preschool through Grade 6 (9th ed.)
Recommended age: Ages 4 - 6.
January 11, 2018
This is a very positive message about self-esteem and being who you are, and liking it. And kids will laugh at things like polka-dot lips, pig snouts, and giant warthog tusks. The little girl in the book is creative and active, roller-blading, pretending to be a rocket ship, and riding a bicycle worthy of Dr. Suess. It’s a good book for very casual diversity as well–the little girl is black, though it isn’t directly relevant to the story, but one particular picture has her waking up in bed with truly wild natural hair, about four times bigger than she is. It is powerful to have that image paired with the lines “Even when I look a mess, I still don’t like me any less,” since I know there are still controversies about attitudes towards natural black hair. This isn’t a new book by any means, as it was published in 2004, but this is still a great lesson I would like to have the niece I gave this book to grow up knowing.
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March 14, 2018Text to world connection
I believe that in the early years of forming the foundation of children, self identity and esteem are extremely important. Encouraging children to embrace themselves is a key factor in development. I love this book because in today's time, bullying is very much live and present. I believe that you cannot control what others do as far as bullying, but we can help build up all children to knowing their love and self-worth. This book shows that you can do what you want, wear what you want, be who you want as long as it makes you happy! This story or stories like it should be included in the library of all early learning classrooms. I feel that all children should be excited to be different. Also, stories like this may reduce the amount of children being victims of bullying and doing the bullying.
I believe that in the early years of forming the foundation of children, self identity and esteem are extremely important. Encouraging children to embrace themselves is a key factor in development. I love this book because in today's time, bullying is very much live and present. I believe that you cannot control what others do as far as bullying, but we can help build up all children to knowing their love and self-worth. This book shows that you can do what you want, wear what you want, be who you want as long as it makes you happy! This story or stories like it should be included in the library of all early learning classrooms. I feel that all children should be excited to be different. Also, stories like this may reduce the amount of children being victims of bullying and doing the bullying.
November 26, 2017
I wish gaining self-esteem was easy as chanting "I like myself" over and over, but this book does a fun, colorful job of pointing out that self-acceptance shouldn't be dependent on others' views.
The rhymes and pictures are set in a big size book for a board book which is especially nice. Good gift for just about any age. I definitely need to remind myself that I like me even if I have what is comparable to knobby knees or hippo hips or purple polka-dotted lips, or beaver breath or stinky toes or horns protruding from my nose... You get the picture, or you will after you see the cute illustrations!
The rhymes and pictures are set in a big size book for a board book which is especially nice. Good gift for just about any age. I definitely need to remind myself that I like me even if I have what is comparable to knobby knees or hippo hips or purple polka-dotted lips, or beaver breath or stinky toes or horns protruding from my nose... You get the picture, or you will after you see the cute illustrations!
March 29, 2009
This book has a great message, one of accepting yourself and loving you for who you are. I especially liked the illustrations, they were my favorite part. There were a couple pictures where I just thought the particular expression on the little girl was absolutely precious. If you want a picture book that will boost you child's self esteem and have zany pictures to boot, you'd better check this book out.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...
September 6, 2009
I want to buy this book! Yes, it's a children's book, but the whole family will enjoy. The story is written in rhyming prose and is illustrated by the David Catrow of the popular "David" books. We typed up the poem and stuck it on our fridge in an attempt to memorize this as a family. I want my kids to learn that no matter what anyone else says or thinks, if they like themselves, they will be just fine!
February 5, 2019
Such an important message and written and illustrated in a way I truly believe my four year old understood. Prompted a great conversation about all of the things we love about ourselves and each other.
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