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Beautifully Me
From designer, creator, and self-love advocate Nabela Noor (@Nabela) comes a much-needed picture book about loving yourself just as you are.
Meet Zubi: a joyful Bangladeshi girl excited about her first day of school. But when Zubi sees her mother frowning in the mirror and talking about being “too big,” she starts to worry about her own body and how she looks. As her day goes on, she hears more and more people being critical of each other’s and their own bodies, until her outburst over dinner leads her family to see what they’ve been doing wrong—and to help Zubi see that we can all make the world a more beautiful place by being beautifully ourselves.
Meet Zubi: a joyful Bangladeshi girl excited about her first day of school. But when Zubi sees her mother frowning in the mirror and talking about being “too big,” she starts to worry about her own body and how she looks. As her day goes on, she hears more and more people being critical of each other’s and their own bodies, until her outburst over dinner leads her family to see what they’ve been doing wrong—and to help Zubi see that we can all make the world a more beautiful place by being beautifully ourselves.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Nabela Noor
1 book14 followersNabela Noor is a first-generation Bangladeshi American creator, activist, and entrepreneur. As a self-love advocate, Nabela utilizes her platforms to empower and inspire millions of people around the world to love the skin they’re in. Her work centers around her passion for representation and diversity with a commitment to uplifting stories and characters who are often unseen and underrepresented. Globally recognized for her “Pockets of Peace” content, you can learn more about the power of self-love through self-care on Nabela’s TikTok and Instagram @Nabela.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
October 27, 2021
A wonderful picture book about self-image that I highly recommend to everyone!
October 30, 2021
I enjoyed the vibrant colors in the illustrations, and the body positive outlook. The story was a little too preachy for me, but that might be appealing for other readers.
November 4, 2021
Such a great story! I love the meaning behind it! Zubi is excited for her first day of school but seeing all the grown up in the house complain about their weight and how being big or large was bad. This confuses Zubi and causes her to be very upset!
November 19, 2021
Beautifully Me is incredibly sweet! I was concerned that it might be preachy about self-image and try to push bigger ideas that the readers wouldn't understand, but it's not. Noor does a great job telling the story from Zubi's perspective as the child internalizes but doesn't fully understand the words she hears, just the intention behind them. I loved the father's explanation as well, about people hurting themselves and others with these words without necessarily thinking about it. Bonus for representation of a Bangladeshi-American Muslim family! Just a really great book for preschool and elementary school students!
September 25, 2021
This book is so beautiful. I love the message of loving yourself no matter what anybody says and that everyone is beautiful in there own way. this book is about a little girl seeing the people around her make comments like "I need to be on a diet to loose weight" and "I dont like my belly". she then starts to question her self until her parents told her that she is beautiful no matter what and then she felt better. The one part I wasn't sure about was when she said "should I go on a diet too" because if youre reading this book to kids then they might start wondering and asking the same thing about themselves or others.
May 10, 2023
Really enjoy the message in this book, but the body shaming in the beginning, even though it gets rectified in the end, really hurt me. It reminded me of my childhood and hearing all the nasty things kids say or that my mom said about her body so I can’t give it 5 stars.
November 24, 2021
A great book about accepting who you are. I really enjoyed the art style as well!
May 10, 2022
A wonderful children's book about accepting and loving yourself. Great illustrations too. So adorable!
October 7, 2021
Note: I received a free review copy from the publisher.
Ahhhhhh! I love this book. It is so sweet and I had the biggest smile on my face when I finished. The character development is so good and I appreciated the way the lesson about body positivity slowy unraveled as Zubi's multigenerational family across all genders made disparaging comments about their own bodies and diets was relatable and appreciated. Plus, Zubi is just so cute!
My 9-year-old asked me to read it again (what?!) and my 11-year-old read it to herself twice (what?!).
A winner.
Ahhhhhh! I love this book. It is so sweet and I had the biggest smile on my face when I finished. The character development is so good and I appreciated the way the lesson about body positivity slowy unraveled as Zubi's multigenerational family across all genders made disparaging comments about their own bodies and diets was relatable and appreciated. Plus, Zubi is just so cute!
My 9-year-old asked me to read it again (what?!) and my 11-year-old read it to herself twice (what?!).
A winner.
December 3, 2021
Nabela Noor, who I believe is an instagram blogger has just come out with a book. This book is about body positivity.
Zubi is excited for her first day of school. She is dressed up with bangles and all. What happens when she walks into her mom's room? She overhears her mom talking about her tummy. Then at breakfast her sister is talking about dieting to look pretty. To make matters worse, a child at school gets called fat. All this has got Zubi feeling pretty confused and sad. Is she pretty enough? Does she need to go on a diet? Her family helps her realize that beauty is what you make it, and we have to find beauty within ourselves to be happy.
A great message, but a little too over my 4-year-old daughters head. I picked this book up from Barnes and Noble while being especially attracted to the cover. Beautiful and vibrantly designed, it drew me in.
The story felt too obvious and the conclusion too neat. I would have liked a bit more conflict to get to the impending moral. Overall, a good message.
Zubi is excited for her first day of school. She is dressed up with bangles and all. What happens when she walks into her mom's room? She overhears her mom talking about her tummy. Then at breakfast her sister is talking about dieting to look pretty. To make matters worse, a child at school gets called fat. All this has got Zubi feeling pretty confused and sad. Is she pretty enough? Does she need to go on a diet? Her family helps her realize that beauty is what you make it, and we have to find beauty within ourselves to be happy.
A great message, but a little too over my 4-year-old daughters head. I picked this book up from Barnes and Noble while being especially attracted to the cover. Beautiful and vibrantly designed, it drew me in.
The story felt too obvious and the conclusion too neat. I would have liked a bit more conflict to get to the impending moral. Overall, a good message.
December 17, 2021
I can see what this was trying to go for - I'm very familiar with the obsessive / fat-shaming / diet culture in south asian households and just how young it can start - but I don't know if I agree with how the book resolved the situation. I know this is a picture book so space is limited, but it just felt too easy. Although, I guess if a south asian family was actually reading this book to their kids, they are probably self-aware and not toxic like the kinds of families I'm thinking of. The overall message I agree with though and I'd totally read this to my kids - it's a good way to start the conversation on body image and self-love.
On another note, I looked up the author and she's an influencer?? I've never heard of her but I love seeing that South Asian rep (she's Bengali woo).
On another note, I looked up the author and she's an influencer?? I've never heard of her but I love seeing that South Asian rep (she's Bengali woo).
September 22, 2021
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is the Beautifully Me, written by Nabela Noor and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali, a fantastic story about body positivity and what it means to be beautiful.
As young Zubi prepares for her first day of school, she greets the audience with confidence and exuberance. She dons a fabulous outfit that expresses her Bangladeshi culture and makes her feel unique and beautiful. But when she runs to her parents to show them her stylish look, Zubi overhears her mother complaining about her waistline. Then she finds that her slim sister Naya is dieting to “look pretty” for a school dance. Her father also bemoans his weight gain, and despite making new friends at school, she overhears one classmate bullying another by calling them fat. Full-figured Zubi is confused and distraught – does she have to be skinny to be beautiful? Announcing at dinner that she is now on a diet, her family is shocked. And when they realize that their offhand comments have damaged Zubi’s self-worth, they set about fixing things, for Zubi and for themselves.
In a word, BEAUTIFUL. This utterly unique take on body positivity not only emphasizes to kids the timeless message that beauty comes in more than one size and shape, but also deftly manages to tackle the internalized fatphobia that permeates most young adult and adult cultures. The fact that it shows how seemingly “harmless” comments by adults can reinforce these toxic ideas about body types to children is incredible, and makes this a teaching opportunity for readers of all ages. Combine these much-needed messages with gorgeous art that celebrates Zubi’s family’s Asian and Muslim culture and diversity at her school (one character uses they/them pronouns, another uses a wheelchair, a third wears a patka), all with warmth, energy, and yes, beauty. The length is great for elementary and older kids, and JJ and I absolutely loved it. A stunning reminder to embrace all that makes us beautiful, and emphatically Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
September 24, 2021
These pages embrace uniqueness and show that beauty is much more than the superficial definition of a certain, outward appearance.
Zubi is spilling over with excitement—it's her first day of school! She dresses in her nicest clothes and is more than ready to attack the day, when she overhears her mother complaining about having too large of a stomach. Then, her older sister wants to go on a diet, and even Zubi's father is saying that he's gained too much weight. At school, everything is great until a boy at recess teases another kid about being too fat. Suddenly, Zubi isn't feeling so beautiful and wants to go on a diet, too, and this causes unexpected waves in the family.
Weight and outer-appearance carry much too large of a role in our lives and society, but no matter how we try, it seems impossible to ignore the standards which have been drilled into our minds. So, this book definitely hits a topic, which all young readers can and will, at one point, find themselves faced with. While the message in this one is very clear, though, it doesn't come across as overly preachy...and I think that's thanks to the wonderful character, Zubi. She's hard not to love with her bubbly attitude and joy for life.
Not only does this one carry a lovely message about true beauty, but it also revolves around a family, which finds its heritage in Bangladesh. The terms and culture are woven into the tale without a nod or pause, allowing it to flow smoothly. The reader is shown the culture in a natural, matter-of-fact state. But, luckily, there is a glossary at the end of the book to define those terms that readers/listeners may not know.
It's a beautiful book with a beautiful messages...and beautifully done. I received a complimentary copy....loved the cover...and found this entire book to be well done.
Zubi is spilling over with excitement—it's her first day of school! She dresses in her nicest clothes and is more than ready to attack the day, when she overhears her mother complaining about having too large of a stomach. Then, her older sister wants to go on a diet, and even Zubi's father is saying that he's gained too much weight. At school, everything is great until a boy at recess teases another kid about being too fat. Suddenly, Zubi isn't feeling so beautiful and wants to go on a diet, too, and this causes unexpected waves in the family.
Weight and outer-appearance carry much too large of a role in our lives and society, but no matter how we try, it seems impossible to ignore the standards which have been drilled into our minds. So, this book definitely hits a topic, which all young readers can and will, at one point, find themselves faced with. While the message in this one is very clear, though, it doesn't come across as overly preachy...and I think that's thanks to the wonderful character, Zubi. She's hard not to love with her bubbly attitude and joy for life.
Not only does this one carry a lovely message about true beauty, but it also revolves around a family, which finds its heritage in Bangladesh. The terms and culture are woven into the tale without a nod or pause, allowing it to flow smoothly. The reader is shown the culture in a natural, matter-of-fact state. But, luckily, there is a glossary at the end of the book to define those terms that readers/listeners may not know.
It's a beautiful book with a beautiful messages...and beautifully done. I received a complimentary copy....loved the cover...and found this entire book to be well done.
December 31, 2022
Mengembalikan habit bacaku dgn membaca yg ringan2 dulu, salah satunya cerita ✨️ilustrasi✨️
Zubi bocil manis nan gemas sedang bersiap-siap untuk hari sekolah pertamanya, tapi dia merasakan kejanggalan antar keluarganya di rumah. Kakak dan ayahnya mengeluhkan hal yang sama, yaitu bertambahnya berat badan. Di sekolah pun, Zubi melihat temannya yang diejek karena gemuk, dia pun kesal dan berpikir apakah gemuk berarti tidak cantik?
Ini salah satu permasalahan di masyarakat yang ga ada habis2nya utk dibahas. Stereotype badan gemuk = jelek rasanya udh menjamur di mana2. Aku sendiri setuju dengan ibu Zubi bahwa yang menentukan cantik atau tidaknya tidak semata-mata dari fisik tapi juga perkataan dan tingkah lakumu terhadap orang lain😇
Pembahasan yang cukup rumit tapi bisa dikemas dengan alur cerita dan bahasa yang mudah dipahami utk anak2 itu keren����🏻👍🏻
Mengambil latar di negara Bangladesh, banyak kosakata yang aku ga paham, tp untungnya di halaman terakhir ditulis glosariumnya, sangat membantu dan menambah wawasan🥺
P.S. Tentu saja gambarnya juga gemasss
Zubi bocil manis nan gemas sedang bersiap-siap untuk hari sekolah pertamanya, tapi dia merasakan kejanggalan antar keluarganya di rumah. Kakak dan ayahnya mengeluhkan hal yang sama, yaitu bertambahnya berat badan. Di sekolah pun, Zubi melihat temannya yang diejek karena gemuk, dia pun kesal dan berpikir apakah gemuk berarti tidak cantik?
Ini salah satu permasalahan di masyarakat yang ga ada habis2nya utk dibahas. Stereotype badan gemuk = jelek rasanya udh menjamur di mana2. Aku sendiri setuju dengan ibu Zubi bahwa yang menentukan cantik atau tidaknya tidak semata-mata dari fisik tapi juga perkataan dan tingkah lakumu terhadap orang lain😇
Pembahasan yang cukup rumit tapi bisa dikemas dengan alur cerita dan bahasa yang mudah dipahami utk anak2 itu keren����🏻👍🏻
Mengambil latar di negara Bangladesh, banyak kosakata yang aku ga paham, tp untungnya di halaman terakhir ditulis glosariumnya, sangat membantu dan menambah wawasan🥺
P.S. Tentu saja gambarnya juga gemasss
January 8, 2022
This book is shiny and gorgeous, and practically leapt off the shelf at me. It is quite fitting that such an aesthetically-pleasing book deals with the meaning of beauty, and was penned by a body-positive influencer.
The story follows a young Bangladeshi girl named Zubi during her first day of school. As she goes about her day, Zubi overhears family members and the other kids at school making negative comments about big bellies, needing to go on diets, looking fat, etc. Slowly Zubi internalizes these messages, until her family realizes that all the harmful things they said about themselves, also impacts/influences little Zubi. It’s a simple message, but an important one, and the author handles it well.
I quite appreciated the representation in this story (I don’t encounter many stories about Bangladeshi families), and loved that the back of the book contains a glossary of all the culturally specific terms that were in the story.
I’m generally skeptical of children’s books written by influencers or celebrities, but “Beautifully Me” is beautiful—inside and out.
The story follows a young Bangladeshi girl named Zubi during her first day of school. As she goes about her day, Zubi overhears family members and the other kids at school making negative comments about big bellies, needing to go on diets, looking fat, etc. Slowly Zubi internalizes these messages, until her family realizes that all the harmful things they said about themselves, also impacts/influences little Zubi. It’s a simple message, but an important one, and the author handles it well.
I quite appreciated the representation in this story (I don’t encounter many stories about Bangladeshi families), and loved that the back of the book contains a glossary of all the culturally specific terms that were in the story.
I’m generally skeptical of children’s books written by influencers or celebrities, but “Beautifully Me” is beautiful—inside and out.
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February 16, 2024I have mixed feelings about this book but overall it has a positive message about body image and I appreciate the main character being a girl of color, giving young readers an intro or opportunity to discuss intersectionality. I wish the book didn’t introduce the word “diet” relating to fads to lose weight in the short term. I prefer books that show more than tell; this book is very explicit about weight and body image. I do like how the MC calls out her family about how they perceive their own weight and body and how it’s a learned behavior that children acquire from those around them (intentional or not). Ironic that the message is about unintended negative traits/beliefs that get passed on from what kids see, what’s shown to them, and not what they’re told. Good reminder for parents to be more conscious of how they treat themselves, as this is likely how our children will also relate to their own bodies.
December 8, 2025
This book is about a young girl Zubi finding the courage and motivation to be herself while within a not so perfect body according to herself. Zubi cared a lot about herself especially while being in a new school. After hearing other kids shout insulting jokes to one another, Zubi proceeds to break down and tries to begin a diet. With encouragement from her family, she begins to embrace her body again and to not let anyone get to her. We are all beautifully ourselves. The themes that shine in this book are self-love, body positivity and family. I would apply this in my library for kindergarten to start affirmations with them early and letting them know- no matter the shape or size you are beautiful either way.
September 30, 2021
Just a slight plot as bubbly Zubi notices all the people around her who don't like their big bellies, or are on a diet, or tease others for being fat. A reminder for everyone, especially parents, to watch what they say around their kids, because their attitudes are catching. The message is to be kind to ourselves as well as to others. The Bengali words and foods add flavor to the setting, as I can't think of another Bengali/American picture book so this is valuable for that reason, too. The cover is beautifully sparkly, and the colors throughout are vibrant.
December 13, 2021
Beautifully Me is an absolutely beautiful book. I thought it did a wonderful job dealing with the issue of a child hearing others talk about their bodies and getting the wrong idea about their own. Lots of inclusion here too. I read a review that the person was upset and said that children of this age shouldn't be reading about other children who are different. For example, a child who wears a long yellow dress and has pronouns of they/them. Let me take a moment to roll my eyes. The illustrations are fantastic and very colorful. Such a great message.
April 13, 2025
Zubi starts the story as a free-spirited, fun-loving little girl. She is excited to embark on her first day of school. But even before she leaves the house, she witnesses her mother and sister commenting on how they look. While at school, where she is having a wonderful time, she hears a student call another person fat, and Zubi begins to think about herself and how she looks. Body shaming was a part of my generation's growing up. How you looked said a lot about you. This book gives me hope that maybe future generations will move us past shaming people for how they look and allow everyone to be comfortable with their bodies.
May 24, 2023
Purchased for my beautiful grand daughter and of course I needed to pre-read it! First of all…I love children’s books!! Also…it is Beautiful! The images are amazing. The family isn the story is from Bangladesh and several words from their culture are introduced! I love the idea of expanding cultural knowledge…even at a young age!!! The message behind the story is the hidden messages adults provide children about weight, size, food and diet!!! Loved it!!
May 3, 2022
My daughter picked this out over the weekend -- I expect because of the beautiful illustrations -- but she has asked me to read it on repeat ever since. She's perhaps a little young for the full theme to sink in, but I think it's an absolutely gorgeous book, both in message and design. Highly recommend.
September 26, 2025
Beautifully Me is a great book because it encourages children to embrace who they are and to understand the beauty that come in different shapes and sizes. This is valuable in a classroom and would help everyone be kind to each other. This book is great to teach young children kindness, empathy, and kindness. This is perfect for students to see themselves and reflect in the story but also celebrate their differences.
March 7, 2022
Some many things to love about this! A chunky Bengali girl with a non-binary friend as a main character! Beautiful illustrations, amazing representation. I wish the writing was a little more poetic, it’s quite “on the nose” but that’s okay! Sometimes kids need clear messages, no frills :)
October 29, 2021
An important reminder that our words of hurt aimed at ourselves, harm more than just us.
March 21, 2022
“Sometimes we can be mean to ourselves without even realizing it. And when we hurt ourselves, we hurt the people we love and who love us.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2022
amazing! <3
August 7, 2023
Great book for opening dialogue about self-image. I love that Zubi is on a mission to make the world more Zubi.
September 9, 2023
5 stars, literally cried
Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews