Right Now: A Beautifully Lyrical Picture Book About Individuality and Self-Love for Kids

by Jessica Olien

A beautifully lyrical and inspirational picture book about being present and loving who you are, from Jessica Olien, the author/illustrator of Adrift, The Blobfish Book, and Shark Detective.

What are you?

You’re big and small and loud and quiet. You are right now. And you are perfect.

A touching ode to the importance of individuality, respect, and self-love, just right for fans of The Wonderful Things You Will Be and The OK Book.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens, Self Esteem

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 17, 2018

Reviews

[Erika L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book teaches kids that they can be whatever they want to be, and that they are perfect just the way that they are. At toddler storytime, we pretended to be some of the things mentioned in the book: tall trees, roaring lions, purring cats, and more! We also did silly dances, yawned, and sighed together. This book was easily interactive for the children, and it kept them engaged the whole time. I love the line: "You are a big puddle, and sometimes people will go around you like they wish you weren't there. Ignore them. They don't see your beauty. But someone does." It might seem pretty negative at first, but it is a great lesson for the kids. Not everyone will like them, and that's okay. It's something that some adults need to learn about life, too. I also love the line, "The whole universe lives inside you." This is definitely a quotable book, and one I will remember for future storytimes!

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the message and diversity, but I wonder if the digital artwork makes it feel flat and less individual. I’m frustrated that the girl on the title page looking in the mirror is white.

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about accepting others and loving others and yourself regardless of any situation in time. The book displays illustrations of a variety of children with different hair textures and skin tones. It conveys a message of no matter what you may look like, where you live, and how you carry yourself, you are you and that is the most genuine person you can and should be at any moment in time.

The overall theme of this book is embracing individuality.

Personally, I really enjoyed the way the book used the illustrations of different looking children because it provides a diverse reading experience. However, the ending is too vague in the sense that it provides a suggestive ending that the recommended age group for this book probably wouldn’t quite understand.

Although it does have a very good message and the illustrations in the book creates diversity. I wouldn’t recommend this book because it feels incomplete. It lacks a good ending and a little bit of a story line. I think it is important for young readers to be exposed to books that captures their full attention and having diversity and just a good message doesn’t quite make the cut for the desired age group for this book.

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, simple, sometimes metaphorical statements about being present make up this book. "You are a spiderweb," "You are big and small and loud and quiet." Children of various skin tones are depicted in a clear and inviting drawing style. Could be used for a variety of ages, skipping pages as necessary for younger children due to length.

Themes: Peace, Mindfulness

[ErinTheLibrarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Diverse cast. Somewhat philosophical, nice message. You are you and that is perfect.Few words.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Affirming and inspirational.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book, fun for story time and good for mindfulness.

[JoEllen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another example of powerful message and simple text. Lovely and inspirational.

[Trixie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this book about living in the moment and being yourself. Great message with limited text.

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrating that you are just right all the time

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But right now you are here. You are you. And that is perfect."

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, uplifting book that validates and celebrates our individuality.

[Mary Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute book with an uplifting message! This would be great to read to a group of young kids.

[Sushie · Rating 3 out of 5]

the pacing is a bit off in places but nice message and diverse illustrations

[Mandy Robek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celebrates all the things you can be and accepting where you are right now in the present moment.

[Shahla]

Right now you are here and that is perfect.