All by Myself: But Sometimes I Need a Little Help!

by Elizabeth Everett, Shelley Hanmo (illustrator)

I can do many things all by myself, but sometimes I need a little help.


A young child boasts about all the new things they can do such as stack blocks, connect two puzzle pieces, and put on their shoes. When it comes time to build a castle, complete a full puzzle, or tie their laces, they may have to ask for help. And that's okay!


Elizabeth Everett channeled her experience as a teacher to pen this empowering story, and Shelley Hanmo used vibrant and fun cut paper art to bring a child's favorite activities to do (with help!) to life.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 4, 2025

About the author

Elizabeth spent 16 years as a classroom teacher before venturing into writing. She has taught elementary school, middle school, high school, and at the collegiate level where she worked with adults pursuing teacher certification.

Inspired by her energetic youngster and his love for books, she took her background in education and meshed it with his childhood interests. The result was edu-tainment in the form of children's books!

She currently lives in Colorado with her family where they love spending time outdoors.

Reviews

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entrancing paper-cut illustrations accompany this forthright book that shows readers it's okay to need help even if there are many things we can do on our own. A book like this liberates children from feeling like they have to do everything without depending on others to offer a hand.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eye-pleasing cut paper illustrations accompany a relatable story for the younger set in this picture book. The narrator, a young boy, is understandably proud of all the things he can do, each of which is depicted in the artwork. But even though there are many activities that he boasts about, he also admits that there are times when he needs a little bit of help from the adults in his life. The notion that needing help is perfectly okay resonates throughout the text and illustrations, and this lucky child clearly has parents or caregivers who give him enough space to try things for himself while also being available to step in and offer assistance when needed. The artwork offers interesting perspectives on some of his activities.

[Kiera Beddes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I can do it!” may be a phrase that any parent of a young child hears all too often, but in this case, our young narrator shows all the things he can do by himself, and all the things that he needs help with, and that’s ok. A perfect story for children exploring their world and their abilities as they grow up, one skill at a time.

I loved the collaborative nature of this story, with our young narrator exploring his independence while also working with his grown-ups to do more difficult tasks. I also loved the cut-paper illustrations. They were colorful, fun, and quirky, and fit the tone of the story perfectly. This is definitely geared toward the younger end of the K-2 range, but I think it is a nice addition to your picture book collection.

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book about acknowledging our abilities while understanding that help is never too far away. Elizabeth Everett’s reassuring words will help young readers nurture their budding independence and self-confidence, while emphasizing an important message: you are not alone in the world. This book is undoubtably for everyone, but may be especially important for teachers who are helping their students develop self-advocacy skills. Shelley Hamo’s art for this book is a visual treat, offering the reader a variety of interesting vantage points and perspectives, along with the most luscious textures in a playful, cut-paper collaged style.

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the concept of this book. The main characters recognizes that he is capable of doing a lof of things, but sometimes needs help to complete the task at hand (and that is ok!). Everyone needs a little help sometimes. I like the book’s message of community — that we don’t have to solely rely on ourselves, but use the strengths/capabilities of those around us. I love the collage style drawings. They are engaging for the reader and provide the perfect compliment to the sweet, reassuring text.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiddos feel proud when they can do things all by themselves, but sometimes they need a little help. And that’s okay! Little ones and their grownups will love this precious picture book that celebrates special childhood moments and milestones. With sweet text by Elizabeth Everett and adorable paper cut art by Shelley Hanmo, ALL BY MYSELF is a joyful and affirming addition for home and school libraries. The message and incredible art in this book will make young readers ask to read it again and again!

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

All by Myself: But Sometimes I Need a Little Help! by Elizabeth Everett, illustrated by Shelley Hanmo, explores a relatable theme for young kids. The book showcases everyday tasks that help children build confidence while reminding them that needing a little help is okay!
I read this with my 7-year-old, and he was thrilled to compare how much he has grown since last year—realizing he can now do many of the activities on his own. The cut-paper art is adorable and fun, and the simple text with minimal words on each spread keeps kids interested and engaged. A delightful read!

[Chloe Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is in "I do it myself" stage, which can be tricky for any parent. We want to foster independence but also let kids know they can rely on others and ask for help. All by Myself is a great picture book for kids going through the "I can do it myself" phase. It's a gentle reminder, that doesn't "come from the parent," that yes, you can do it by yourself but it's okay and sometimes necessary to ask for help. I love being about to read a book and point out, "Look, other kids need a little help too!" The illustrations are made from cut paper, a unique style that I love!

[Dazzle Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the back-and-forth feelings of a little one eager to grow up but not quite ready for everything that entails. I loved seeing the different emotions that came with both discovering independence (triumph, pride, wonder, doubt, loneliness, etc.) and getting some much-needed/appreciated help (humility, excitement, understanding, joy, comfort, etc.). It's a lovely book for bedtime cuddles and sweet discussions, as well as classroom learning.

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can do many things all by myself, but sometimes I need a little help." This simple but important message is presented in a charming way through the day-to-day fun activities of a young child. From getting dressed to trying sports to playing on the playground to reading books, young readers will see how it's fun to be independent and try things by oneself, and yet it's also okay to ask for help. Sure to appeal to toddlers and preschoolers!

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story to show how kids are capable but still learning to master certain skills as they grow. Sweet vignettes focused on activities like stacking blocks, putting together puzzles, playing at the park, and getting ready for bed will feel familiar to kids but also reassure them that they are still capable, even when someone helps them. The cut paper illustrations are phenomenal in detail, perspective, and emotion. An all-around wonderful read!

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet book and the cut-out illustrations are AMAZING! such hard work gone into it.
I'm sure every kid wants to do everything for themselves but these little hands and minds may still need that bit of caregiving help... which is totally okay and wonderful.
This story explores the confidence a kid has to try all these things, but has the self recognition that they may still need a helping hand. It's okay to have people around you for that support - a lovely message.

[Moniza Hossain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an adorable book with an important message. While it's okay to do things alone and to be independent, there's nothing wrong with sometimes needing a little help. The paper cutout artwork is charming and inclusive, and the story is written in simple, straightforward language children will have no trouble understanding, and maybe even reading on their own. The perfect book for a classroom library.

[Dara Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

All by Myself: But Sometimes I Need a Little Help is such a lovely and important book with a great message about it being okay to need help. This is so important and reassuring for readers. The illustrations are cut paper and are absolutely beautiful. Readers will love turning from page to page. The text is relatable and the book can be enjoyed by all. It would be especially perfect for toddlers/ preschool/ kinder/ 1st grade.

[Jenna Waldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for families with young children! As a mom of two, I remember when my boys wanted to “do it by myself!”, even if it was just a little too difficult. Was asking for help a failure? Of course not! And Everett’s book is a wonderful way for kids to be reminded that, although there is so much they can do on their own, it’s okay to ask for help too. I adore Hanma’s art, the cut paper is so detailed and impressive!

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

All By Myself (But Sometimes I Need A Little Help!) by @elizabetheverettbooks is a lovely, cute, and fun read! An adorable child celebrates every little accomplishment which is so heartwarming to see......but for big tasks he often needs help. With each new skill he gains he is closer to completing big tasks on his own. For now, he content doing his best and asking for help from his loving parents when he needs it. I love this message for little ones.

[Hillary Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This children's book shows the importance of when to be independent and when it is okay to have some help. When a little boy finds the joy in being able to build his toy blocks or put on his shoes because he is doing it independently, he realizes that when those simple tasks become a little more difficult like trying to build a castle or tie the laces of the shoes, it is okay to ask for help or support from other people. Not everyone can do everything on their own until they learn! This is great for any grade level K-5 to help show that learning to do things on your own requires help from others at first.

[K G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure who will be more engaged by Elizabeth Everett's book, All By Myself--children or adults! Actually, I think it will be a tie! This sweet story will delight children and give them a sense of familiarity in the experiences of the narrator, while Shelley Hammo's paper cut illustrations will captivate children and adults alike. This is a great read for bedtime or anytime. I highly recommend it!

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful papercut illustrations accompany a text that walks us through daily life with a main character who can do some things but also needs a little help with others. The child's parents help them and they all have a day filled with creativity and fun! Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Natasha Yim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the message of this book. A young boy can do many things, but some things he just needs a little help - kids will certainly relate to this. It's a story that celebrates a child's independence yet recognizes that young children still need help in many areas, and that's okay. The lovely cut paper illustrations brings the child's world and daily routines to life.

[Stephanie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tender story about growing up and finding independence gently reminds readers that it’s okay to need help and to ask for it. The stunning paper-cut illustrations beautifully complement the narrative, capturing the balance between the tasks little ones can tackle on their own and those that require a helping hand.

[Stephanie Wildman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book by Elizabeth Everett with amazing cut paper art by Shelley Hamo catalogs the many abilities of the main character while repeating the refrain “but I need a little help.” The joyful illustrations and positive cadence of the prose will have your young reader thinking of all they can do, too, knowing it’s okay to ask for a little help.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL BY MYSELF is perfect for kids who are independent and eager to do things by themselves, but may still need a little help. The message is reassuring, validating, and filled with hope—exactly what little readers need at this stage. The fun collage style art is the perfect complement to the sweet text. A delightful book for any classroom or home library!

[Stacey Byer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All by Myself: But Sometimes I Need a Little Help is a story that follows a little boy as he tries to be independent. With two loving parents by his side, he learns that it’s okay to ask for help when tasks become difficult. The skillful paper art illustrations compliment this story really well! A great read for all!

[Leslie Barnard Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focusing on a day in the life of a young child, this sweet, beautifully illustrated book acknowledges the capabilities of the youngest readers while showing that it's also okay to get help when you need it. Soothing and positive, this is a cozy read that young children are sure to relate to and a great teaching tool for teachers and caregivers!

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL BY MYSELF is so relatable for kids! It shows a child becoming more independent, but still needing a little help sometimes. There is a reassuring message that needing help is expected and okay! The papercut illustrations add so much interest to each page. This is a book that young kids will see themselves in!

[Suzy Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, rhythmic book for little ones, celebrating the joys of both doing things by yourself and doing things with a little help (and that's okay!). The stunning papercut art really wows throughout. Kids will love this colorful, comforting book!

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple reassuring story for youngest PB readers that its okay to ask for help. Delightful cut paper illustrations take readers through a day of kid-friendly activities that highlight growing independence and normalize asking for help.

[Jessica Stremer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I think kids will really relate to and enjoy reading, as it highlights a variety of activities kids can do by themselves and places where they need a little help from grownups. The artwork is done in cut paper collage, which adds a lot of texture and depth.

[Dano Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a valuable book that can help foster independence while also normalizing asking for help (equally important skills!). The collage art is colorful and shows a range of common and fun activities for children. Highly recommend!