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Proud to Be Me: A Rhyming Picture Book About Friendship, Self-Confidence, and Finding Beauty in Differences
Have you ever compared yourself to someone else and felt sad? Do you ever worry you are not good enough? If so, Buzz has a message for you!
PROUD TO BE ME is an award-winning picture book about the importance of self-confidence and embracing differences in ourselves and others. Follow Buzz as he helps each of his friends recognize and appreciate their unique qualities. Through vibrant illustrations, fun text patterns, and engaging rhyme, children will be captivated as they join in on each character’s journey of self-discovery.
Just like the rest of us, children often feel pressured to “fit in”. When it comes to their bodies and appearances, this can cause feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, and it can take practice to reframe these negative thoughts into positive self-talk. That’s where PROUD TO BE M E comes in! Let Buzz help your child learn about self-acceptance and confidence as he helps each of his friends see just how beautiful they are.
PROUD TO BE ME is an award-winning picture book about the importance of self-confidence and embracing differences in ourselves and others. Follow Buzz as he helps each of his friends recognize and appreciate their unique qualities. Through vibrant illustrations, fun text patterns, and engaging rhyme, children will be captivated as they join in on each character’s journey of self-discovery.
Just like the rest of us, children often feel pressured to “fit in”. When it comes to their bodies and appearances, this can cause feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, and it can take practice to reframe these negative thoughts into positive self-talk. That’s where PROUD TO BE M E comes in! Let Buzz help your child learn about self-acceptance and confidence as he helps each of his friends see just how beautiful they are.
38 pages, Paperback
Published March 23, 2023
About the author
Kim Farrell
10 books7 followersKim Farrell is a writer and children’s book reviewer who loves stories that spark laughter, build self-esteem, and send the message that every child belongs, just as they are. Her work helps families and educators discover meaningful books that spark connection, confidence, and creativity.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 26, 2023
Fantastic amazing read for children. Helps talk about accepting yourself and being proud to be who you are no matter what.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2023
Buzz is more than just a busy bee; he is the best friend any animal could wish to have. He sees the good in all his friends and not only respects their differences but he also celebrates them. His positive attitude and ability to show all his friends their good qualities make him well-liked in the jungle.
Proud To Be Me by Kim Farrell is a fantastic picture book that teaches children how being different is not something to be ashamed of. Each person looks different; no two people are alike. Buzz teaches readers that they have value and are special no matter what they look like. Being different is what makes everyone interesting. Everyone has different skill sets that they bring to the world, which are essential. Not being able to do the same things as others does not lessen your value or importance to the world, especially to your friends. Children today are so caught up with comparing themselves to others, and especially in the online world, seeing that they are important just as they are is crucial.
The artwork of Ada Konewki clearly imparts the message of self-doubt and fear of being different. You can see from the animals how concerned they are, and children will relate. As the animals see their value, they become happier and more animated, showing children that just being themselves is enough.
Proud To Be is a well-written and heartwarming children’s book that teaches young readers about self-esteem and self-acceptance. Having confidence is hard, and having friends to help you along the way is critical. Buzz is the friend we all need in life, showing us just how amazing and beautiful we are, just the way we are today.
Proud To Be Me by Kim Farrell is a fantastic picture book that teaches children how being different is not something to be ashamed of. Each person looks different; no two people are alike. Buzz teaches readers that they have value and are special no matter what they look like. Being different is what makes everyone interesting. Everyone has different skill sets that they bring to the world, which are essential. Not being able to do the same things as others does not lessen your value or importance to the world, especially to your friends. Children today are so caught up with comparing themselves to others, and especially in the online world, seeing that they are important just as they are is crucial.
The artwork of Ada Konewki clearly imparts the message of self-doubt and fear of being different. You can see from the animals how concerned they are, and children will relate. As the animals see their value, they become happier and more animated, showing children that just being themselves is enough.
Proud To Be is a well-written and heartwarming children’s book that teaches young readers about self-esteem and self-acceptance. Having confidence is hard, and having friends to help you along the way is critical. Buzz is the friend we all need in life, showing us just how amazing and beautiful we are, just the way we are today.
April 6, 2023
Proud to Be Me is an excellent resource for parents who want to help their children develop a positive self-image and an appreciation of diversity.
The author employs fun, engaging characters to impart valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of celebrating differences.; encouraging readers to grow up as compassionate and kind individuals who learn to see beauty in everyone.
The repetition that runs throughout the book helps to reinforce the message of self-love, making it clear to young readers how important it is for them to embrace who they are as individuals with unique talents and characteristics. It teaches young people to embrace and celebrate their differences, instead of trying to conform or compare themselves against others. This message is especially relevant today, due to the prevalence of social media and other factors that encourage comparison.
I find the prompts at the end of the book to be especially useful, in that they allow readers to integrate what they have learned from the story into their own growth.
The author's strong command of rhyme and ability to instill a sense of pride in young readers makes this book worthy of recommendation for all families or educators wanting to foster self-confidence.
The author employs fun, engaging characters to impart valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of celebrating differences.; encouraging readers to grow up as compassionate and kind individuals who learn to see beauty in everyone.
The repetition that runs throughout the book helps to reinforce the message of self-love, making it clear to young readers how important it is for them to embrace who they are as individuals with unique talents and characteristics. It teaches young people to embrace and celebrate their differences, instead of trying to conform or compare themselves against others. This message is especially relevant today, due to the prevalence of social media and other factors that encourage comparison.
I find the prompts at the end of the book to be especially useful, in that they allow readers to integrate what they have learned from the story into their own growth.
The author's strong command of rhyme and ability to instill a sense of pride in young readers makes this book worthy of recommendation for all families or educators wanting to foster self-confidence.
April 30, 2023
🐝 Meet Buzz, the bee. Everyone should be surrounded by a friend like Buzz as he reminds others of how proud they should be of who they are and that being different is great!
🐝 In this beautiful rhyming picture book written by Kim Farrell, Buzz sees the best qualities in everyone around him, and reminds his friends that they are perfect just the way they are! He does an amazing job of making others accept their traits, to wash away their self-doubts, and shows them how truly unique they can be. He encourages them to embrace their love for themselves and to be proud that they are different.
🐝 Buzz reinforces that “If everyone looked alike, how boring life would be.”
🐝 The writing is well complimented with Ada Konewki’s illustrations depicting each animals concerns and clearly shows at the end the valuable lessons learned, and how peace is found in each animal as they focus on their qualities.
🐝 Messages of self-love, being proud and having confidence in oneself are special qualities and these are important messages for all children to understand. A must-read for all kids.
🐝 In this beautiful rhyming picture book written by Kim Farrell, Buzz sees the best qualities in everyone around him, and reminds his friends that they are perfect just the way they are! He does an amazing job of making others accept their traits, to wash away their self-doubts, and shows them how truly unique they can be. He encourages them to embrace their love for themselves and to be proud that they are different.
🐝 Buzz reinforces that “If everyone looked alike, how boring life would be.”
🐝 The writing is well complimented with Ada Konewki’s illustrations depicting each animals concerns and clearly shows at the end the valuable lessons learned, and how peace is found in each animal as they focus on their qualities.
🐝 Messages of self-love, being proud and having confidence in oneself are special qualities and these are important messages for all children to understand. A must-read for all kids.
May 1, 2023
We were gifted a copy of this book, and we could not recommend it more! Exceptional: the moral, the story, and the rhyme.
The theme is so beautiful and so clear - be proud of who you are, embrace your differences, and love yourself!
The rhyme flows so perfectly with wonderful cadence and fluidity, and the use of repetition throughout the story is wonderful. Children will love being able to join in.
The descriptions of the animals will all be familiar to children, and these are supported by vibrant, beautiful illustrations.
The book has an activity at the end, which is wonderful for children to consolidate what they took away from the book and for opening discussions with parents/teachers. This is a great activity for mindfulness and a positive mindset.
One of the best books I've read in ages. A must-have for every home and classroom!
The theme is so beautiful and so clear - be proud of who you are, embrace your differences, and love yourself!
The rhyme flows so perfectly with wonderful cadence and fluidity, and the use of repetition throughout the story is wonderful. Children will love being able to join in.
The descriptions of the animals will all be familiar to children, and these are supported by vibrant, beautiful illustrations.
The book has an activity at the end, which is wonderful for children to consolidate what they took away from the book and for opening discussions with parents/teachers. This is a great activity for mindfulness and a positive mindset.
One of the best books I've read in ages. A must-have for every home and classroom!
April 1, 2023
The most beautiful book about self-love
It's a beautiful book where the striking artwork enhances the reflection of the story. It's not just about one quality, because at least three are also highlighted per each character, that helps us understand that we each have many special things.
Not only do we read about what each animal loves about themselves, but there is also a worksheet at the end for us to dedicate to ourselves. Moreover, the website offers additional resources and an activity book that I am sure is just as special as this one.
Overall, I adored every detail and narrative aspect, the rhymes, and how the idea was reiterated with different qualities. We are all unique and special in our own way.
It's a beautiful book where the striking artwork enhances the reflection of the story. It's not just about one quality, because at least three are also highlighted per each character, that helps us understand that we each have many special things.
Not only do we read about what each animal loves about themselves, but there is also a worksheet at the end for us to dedicate to ourselves. Moreover, the website offers additional resources and an activity book that I am sure is just as special as this one.
Overall, I adored every detail and narrative aspect, the rhymes, and how the idea was reiterated with different qualities. We are all unique and special in our own way.
November 11, 2025
Year 2 good reads- diversity.
Proud to Be Me by Kim Farrell is a joyful and empowering picture book that celebrates self-acceptance, confidence, and individuality.
It encourages children to recognise what makes them special and to feel proud of who they are, no matter their background, abilities, or appearance.
Farrell’s writing is positive, rhythmic, and easy for young readers to understand. The sentences are short and engaging, often with a gentle rhyme or repetition that makes the message memorable and fun to read aloud.
Proud to Be Me by Kim Farrell is a joyful and empowering picture book that celebrates self-acceptance, confidence, and individuality.
It encourages children to recognise what makes them special and to feel proud of who they are, no matter their background, abilities, or appearance.
Farrell’s writing is positive, rhythmic, and easy for young readers to understand. The sentences are short and engaging, often with a gentle rhyme or repetition that makes the message memorable and fun to read aloud.
May 25, 2023
Proud To Be Me is a wonderful story about the importance of being proud of our differences and loving the things that make us unique. I love how Kim Farrell repeats certain phrases that children and their parents can use themselves like, "I'm proud of what I see!" and "There's no one quite like me! This would be a great book for teachers and school psychologists to use for social and emotional learning.
June 7, 2023
A book that should be in every home!
I adore this rhyming book about recognizing differences and understanding our differences make us special and unique! Buzz the bee helps friends see why their differences are so wonderful! As a mom and homeschool educator, I love all the extra resources provided to take this important message further! A great book for every home, school and library to add to their collection!
I adore this rhyming book about recognizing differences and understanding our differences make us special and unique! Buzz the bee helps friends see why their differences are so wonderful! As a mom and homeschool educator, I love all the extra resources provided to take this important message further! A great book for every home, school and library to add to their collection!
February 14, 2024
Celebrating Uniqueness!
With bright illustrations and rhyming text, this story reminds us that diversity is our strength. Kids are reminded not to compare themselves to others, as after all, it is our uniqueness that makes each and every one of us special. A message that every child should be reminded of again and again. This is a lovely book for children to acknowledge and celebrate their uniqueness!
With bright illustrations and rhyming text, this story reminds us that diversity is our strength. Kids are reminded not to compare themselves to others, as after all, it is our uniqueness that makes each and every one of us special. A message that every child should be reminded of again and again. This is a lovely book for children to acknowledge and celebrate their uniqueness!
April 3, 2023
Beautiful illustrations to help tell the story. Kids are going to love this book. Phone book to read together as a family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2023
Well written and beautifully illustrated!
This book provides a wonderful reminder to be proud of who you are.
YOU are uniquely you - and YOU are special just the way you are.
The worksheet in the back is a great tool for children and parents alike.
This book provides a wonderful reminder to be proud of who you are.
YOU are uniquely you - and YOU are special just the way you are.
The worksheet in the back is a great tool for children and parents alike.
June 7, 2023
Proud to Be Me by Kim Farrell is a children’s picture book about body confidence and feeling comfortable in your own skin whilst recognising that everyone is different.
The story is told in a rhyming style and features a bee called Buzz and his friends who are all very different. From a tall giraffe called George to a short alligator called Al and a hippo called Hope who doesn’t like her skin.
I loved this book. It is wonderful to read a children’s book that is about teaching little ones that everyone is unique and that it is good to be different and that they should love their bodies. I’m a big believer in teaching children these types of things whilst they are young so that they grow up with that knowledge embedded within them.
The illustrations are full-page, bright, colourful, and really pop off the page. They emphasise the text fully and showcase the animals and their wonderful bodies perfectly.
Proud to Be Me is an amazing book. It is simple to read, yet contains a powerful message. This would be the perfect book to have in a school library or for a class read. It is touching and relatable and I hope that children embrace the message fully. At the back of the book, there are activities for children and messages for adults where they can get free resources to go along with the teachings in the book.
The story is told in a rhyming style and features a bee called Buzz and his friends who are all very different. From a tall giraffe called George to a short alligator called Al and a hippo called Hope who doesn’t like her skin.
I loved this book. It is wonderful to read a children’s book that is about teaching little ones that everyone is unique and that it is good to be different and that they should love their bodies. I’m a big believer in teaching children these types of things whilst they are young so that they grow up with that knowledge embedded within them.
The illustrations are full-page, bright, colourful, and really pop off the page. They emphasise the text fully and showcase the animals and their wonderful bodies perfectly.
Proud to Be Me is an amazing book. It is simple to read, yet contains a powerful message. This would be the perfect book to have in a school library or for a class read. It is touching and relatable and I hope that children embrace the message fully. At the back of the book, there are activities for children and messages for adults where they can get free resources to go along with the teachings in the book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews