Sometimes, All I Need Is Me

by Juliana Perdomo

Gentle themes of resiliency, mindfulness, and self-care are brought home in this sweet and soulful picture book with charmingly graphic illustrations and a poetic text.

I love listening to music, especially samba!
It feels like my heart follows the beat.

Meet a young girl who loves her cozy home. It smells like cinnamon tea and feels like warm pajamas. But even when she’s away from home, and everything is different, she finds a way to become her own home, where she feels calm. At night, when it’s too dark and her feet are cold, her room can be a little scary. But she creates her own light when she closes her eyes and thinks of the sun. With friendliness and charm, Juliana Perdomo, in her debut as author-illustrator, shows young readers how to find comfort and confidence within. Her heartwarming picture book reassures children that sometimes, everything we need—courage, joy, peace, and love—is already inside us.

Genres: Picture Books, Fiction, Childrens, Storytime, Spanish Literature, Emotion, Mental Health

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Juliana Perdomo is a Columbian illustrator and writer, with a background as a psychologist and art therapist. Her work is joyful, heartfelt, and folkish—a bit retro with a Latin touch. She has participated in different projects as an illustrator, this book being her debut in the USA. Juliana lives in Bogotá, Columbia, with her amazing son, Luca, and a crazy old dog called Menta.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing! So many picture books for this age group are about making friends, keeping friends, not-having-a-friend-but-wanting-one and so few are about being your own best friend. Certainly I am not dismissing the value of friendship and community, and I'm glad this book also celebrates that -- but it's nice to see a book that also reminds children that sometimes it's a-okay to just be by yourself, you don't always need someone else to be happy, content, or brave.

[CaseyTheCanadianLesbrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, the blurb does not oversell this. It would make a great gift for any child who has been facing challenges, or any who is too coddled and is therefore not getting a chance to develop coping skills. It would also make a great book to share with family; discuss what each of you do for self-care.

And don't worry, it's not didactic nor does it look educational. It's colorful and entertaining, with a narrative of just the right length and complexity.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affirming book to build confidence and being okay when you're by yourself. Perdomo offers several ways to self-soothe, boost belief in yourself, and entertain yourself.
Brightly colored illustrations support the text.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, beautiful and joyful. Children will love it! This title is also released in Spanish :)

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-crafted story is a basic primer in self-reliance with plenty of examples of how to balance being social with enjoying one’s own company. Simple illustrations show how this little girl colors her bright, beautiful, happy world with a positive mental attitude.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A picture book about self-acceptance and self-love for introverts.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alone time is great! Taking care of yourself is the first priority 😉 Love this book, message and illustrations!

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book that endorses the individual's social needs and times when the individual doesn't actually need to socially interact with others. This is a truth that needs to be shared more frequently. Humans need "alone" time to wind down, relax, rest, and come to terms with their own inner being without the intrusion of all the activities of the beehive of life that surrounds.

So if your child likes to sit and play in a corner, perhaps that is all they need at the moment. And sometimes if your child is enveloped in the continual activities, people, and noises of life, they may need a break away from it all to be themselves. They need to discover that they can be alone, they can depend on themselves alone, and they can find that they are good to be with just themselves alone.

This sweet book shows the child at peace with being and interacting with all that is around her in the world, but it also shows that she is quite at peace with just her own self and being by herself.

A good book.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little girl discovers that even when circumstances are difficult, she can rely on herself to find courage and calm. When others are there to help her, that is wonderful. But if she has to make do on her own, she can do that too. She is independent when she needs to be!

This is such a sweet book! I love how resilient and brave this little girl is. No matter what circumstances she is in, she is happy to be with others, but she can also make her own way.

I love the colorful illustrations! Every page is so bright and cheerful!


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a young girl who is comfortable with her own presence. She enjoys playing with others, but she also likes spending time by herself because it allows her to create her own magic. Even in scary situations, she can close her eyes and think of something positive. The theme of this book revolves around finding inner strength and comfort. While it’s wonderful to have friends and be surrounded by loved ones, it’s also important for students to understand that sometimes all you need is yourself. Being confident and not relying on others for happiness can be a great feeling.

This book is intended for kindergarten students, and I would definitely add it to my library. It shows children that while having friends is great, there are also times when it’s important to appreciate alone time and be your own company.

[Adele · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Sometimes, All I Need Is Me". And other times I need other people. For about half the pages in this book in fact. And it's kind of random when people will be available and when they won't, but it definitely doesn't correspond to when you actually need them, so on the many times when for whatever reason you need someone, and no one is around, metaphorically sing "I Am a Rock" to yourself and convince yourself you don't actually need anyone.

Preachy, nonsensical crap.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Self-confidence and self-affirmation blatherskite.

(Another project! I'm trying to read all the picture books and graphic novels on the kids section of NPR's Books We Love 2022.)

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about embracing yourself and being capable of doing things and calming yourself without the help of others. Empowering the m.c. when she is alone without grandma or friends she can be in control and okay.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely affirmation of mindfulness, self-reliance and that it's okay to enjoy being by yourself.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I appreciate the message of self-reliance and mindfulness, I just found the book to be "meh" overall. I also didn't care for the illustration style so that might have something to do with it.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book reminding kids to search for their own inner strength and resilience. Illustrations are cute and colorful.

[Emily Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

This precious book was found at the education library. A young girl tells the sweet story of how she cares for herself. She begins with her home being a cozy and safe place, then mentions how when she leaves, she becomes her own safe space and company. She mentions how music and dance make her feel better. Then, she talks about how sometimes she is scared of the dark when she goes to bed which is a very common fear in children, and imagines the sun to cope. One of the last things she mentions is hugging her grandma to feel better, and how she can hug herself when no one else is around. This book is so sweet, but definitely appeals to females rather than males. The illustrations do the same. It is a wonderful book, but I don't think boys would be entertained by it as well as girls would be. For that reason, I don't think I would read it aloud to a class, but it's a wonderful book to have in your library.

[Smichel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This young girl likes to play in the garden with friends, but she also likes to spend time alone. When no one is around, she can perform magic tricks for her stuffed animals or dance to her favorite music, SAMBA! Juliana Perdomo is an author, illustrator, graphic designer, and therapist, she combines all of these talents into a gentle self-care message and reminds us to take the time to play, to heal, and to dance. The colorful, full-page graphics with large print are just right for reading aloud, and of course, for reading alone. Multiple examples of self-reliance and inner-strength, follow the girl throughout the book. Recommended for pre-school and early elementary, but the self-care message appeals to a wider range. A pick-me-up for ages 4 through 6+.

[Katie Hutchison Irion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes All I Need Is Me by Juliana Perdomo is a great book to teach empowerment. The young protagonist tells the reader all the things she loves. She talks about her cozy place and puddles and music and friends and how she enjoys being with people. She also talks about things that scare her, like her room at night, or falling down. Among all these things that she likes but things she is also scared of, she talks about how SHE can take care of her situation and improve things or make things better. She reminds the reader that she, by herself, can calm herself or dance or find light in darkness. The message is one of strength and love of self. The story is accompanied by beautifully bright and warm illustrations that draw the reader in. It is a lovely book and message.

[Mia Martinez]

This book is perfect for young girls or young kids that struggle with finding comfort in their own company. This story is about a girl that accepts the comfort of her own company and prefers it. The illustrations within the book are textured and simple which plays into the story very well. I would include this book in my classroom because it shows my young girls and boys that you don't always need others to keep company. That you can keep yourself company and be content with that. The intended audience would be 1st and 2nd graders.

[Binxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations, the text, and the message. Kids at varying ages will enjoy this on their level. A helpful book for parents, caregivers, and teachers as well as just a cute and enjoyable read.

[Jeretta Hall-Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, but heartfelt story about finding comfort with people and familiar situations, but also being comfortable with just yourself. Helps little ones to understand simple coping and self-reliance techniques.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this young girl finds comfort and confidence from within. I love that she’s happy to be with friends but also enjoys her own company. And when she’s afraid of the dark, she creates her own light with her imagination and positive thinking. The art is delightful, colorful and engaging.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five pure, shining little stars. I love how simple this book is while still having heart. The illustrations are absolutely flawless and I can't wait to see more of Perdomo's work.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely reminder that we can find comfort and happiness from within.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Officially one of my new favorites! So cozy and colorful.

[SamSamSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, mindfulness.