Curves Like Mine

by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs, Sofi Butusova (Illustrator)

Curves Like Mine is a motivational book written for people with curves and fuller figures. This inspirational celebration of uniqueness is written from the heart, guaranteed to build confidence. The story follows a young girl who turns to her mother for reassurance after feeling different from her peers. Curves Like Mine is a beautiful tale of self-love, body positivity, and acceptance through positive affirmations. After all, true beauty comes from within.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

24 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2021

About the author

Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs is a passionate Bay Area-based children's book author dedicated to empowering children's minds through literature! After graduating from California State University’s East Bay campus with three degrees, she completed her Masters in Political Science from Binghamton University. Krystaelynne’s background in child advocacy and deep commitment to creating safer communities has led her mission to address essential topics that are often overlooked in children's literature such as body safety education.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ An Empowering and Uplifting Picture Book that encourages self love.

Curves Like Mine is a beautiful children's book I wish was around when I was growing up. As I was that child and still am as an adult with curves. Children can be so cruel when things appear different to them.

This picture books shines a much needed light that it's ok to be different and to embrace yourself, it promotes body positivity and self love. By gosh we all need some self love right now with everything that's going on with the pandemic!

I think it doesn't matter how old you are body image can start very very young. So it's so so important to teach children to embrace their differences at a very young age.
It's not OK to bully or make fun of people and unfortunately it does start from a young age so I think this little book is a wonderful starting point to show children that we need to be kind and thoughtful to each other.

It also can help parents, as the Mum in the book was teaching her daughter how to be more accepting of her body and how beauty isn't just what's on the outside, beauty also comes from within.

As you can see I highly recommend this empowering children's picture book for ages 3+

Thank you to Booksgosocial & Netgalley for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Chloe Ritchie]

'Curves Like Mine' focuses on a young girl finding beauty, and acceptance in her body image.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As a trainee teacher I believe it would be a really insightful book for pupils ages 6 and under, but also useful for older pupils as topics such as body image, acceptance, and beauty can be discussed from hooking pupils in with this story.

The art style was really nice, I loved the range of colours it used within each panel. I liked the writing, and how it flowed, as well as the wide range of vocabulary used. The writing in particular, is really good because it enhances fluency, and comprehension. Pupils in the upper year groups, within a Primary setting, who are struggling with word comprehension could read this and begin to see the flow of sentencing (if that makes any sense), which is really beneficial as the story, although targeted at a younger audience could be used for older pupils too.

Overall it's a really enjoyable book that promotes self-love in a really beautiful way.

Rated: 4 stars

Also thank you to netgallery for giving me the opportunity to read this book which has a lovely positive message.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers and older women be this understanding when it comes to reassuring the younger ones to be who they are. We are the ones who should not criticize them for their appearance and not encourage others to do the same. An uplifting read and a must have in schools and at homes.

Thank you, author and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book pitched for a young audience comes across as a bit of an experiment. Content-wise it seems more suited to school-age children, with illustrations showing children in a school setting - but all except the very youngest of school children will find its entertainment value a bit lacking and it's more suited to being read aloud than anything else. Yes, the central message - beauty comes in all shapes and sizes - is crucial for children of all ages, and is very well done, albeit showing one child who is a bit pudgier than the other (freakishly skinny) children. Also, "curves" is not something I would generally associate with the bodies of pre-pubescent children. However, I do think this book could be a valuable tool to help children gain confidence and see personal differences with positivity.

[bookishcharli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the cutest book with such an important message for all young people, it doesn’t matter what you look like, your beauty within is what truly matters. So many young people, and even adults, struggle with self love and judging themselves too harshly based on comments made by other people and it needs to stop. Every single being is beautiful in their own way, just because one person doesn’t deem you to be beautiful doesn’t mean everyone else won’t either. Love yourself and then watch others love you too.

[Kai · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a beautiful book, but I can't help but feel that it's missing something. I think it's that the mom didn't really address her daughter's concerns or questions except to say 'you're beautiful' and 'don't let them make you sad' type things. Like she asked about her body and you talk about how her soul is beautiful? Not exactly the topic. Don't get me wrong, we NEED books like this talking about acceptance of bigger bodies, but we also need to not fall into other (still fatphobic) traps. I would have liked to have seen something addressing and confronting the fatphobia she faces and not just putting it down to needing to love herself more.

Also this idea that you're the only one in your school and family who isn't super thin is... pretty rare.

Ok so apparently I'm not done. Y'all know I'm super critical of kids books. The messages they send are just so important! They can shape generations!

When she says "Why me?" and "How did I get this way?" it would have been a great time to discuss how all bodies are different but they're all good bodies and to actually develop a positive relationship with her body! Telling her she's beautiful is really besides the point. Curvy and fat bodies are beautiful 100%, but your value does not lie in beauty. You don't need to be beautiful to deserve respect and kindness.

Then we have this bathroom scene that basically invalidates the beauty thing anyway? Like this book said 'your curves are beautiful' and then immediately went into 'true beauty isn't only what you see.' Technically true, but didn't you just say her outside **was** beautiful? It is. Yes, personality shining through will help, but that isn't what you were just saying.

Then the back cover. Just. It belies the confusion this writer is clearly feeling.
"True beauty comes from within, it's your mindset that makes you win"
"Curves Like Mine is a journey to self love and acceptance through positive affirmation."

I am begging y'all to work through your internalized fatphobia. All bodies are good bodies. This book feels like that thing where someone says "you're not fat, you're beautiful" but YOU CAN BE BOTH.

Anyway, I appreciate the intention, but I wish they had worked on this more to make sure they weren't still perpetuating harmful ideas / vibes here.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with this temporary digital advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bunmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rhyming felt overwrought to me and perhaps it was a bit heavy handed in its message BUT considering there are so few books promoting body positivity and acceptance for little girls and young readers, I think this book is well worth buying for kids. It's so important for ALL kids to see themselves in book, and I think this book will definitely help promote self-love.

[Aminata Coote · Rating 3 out of 5]

This children's book has a powerful and much-needed message that each of us are created uniquely and are beautiful in our own way. The flow wasn't as lyrical as children's book tend to be but the message was clear.

Curves Like Mine is beautifully illustrated and has an empowering message. I received a reader's copy from the publisher through NetGalley; a positive review was not required.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting read about loving yourself. The illustrations were beautiful and I liked the rhythmic prose. Love the message that this book sends out about beauty as well.

I received an e-ARC of this book via Netgalley.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are a new, rare kind of beauty and everybody knows."

This was TOO CUTE. A beautiful, school-age girl struggles with her aesthetic features while her mother assures her that true beauty lies within. This truly beautiful little girl learns to love herself. Written in cute poetic format without stanzas and with illlustrations that are bright and colorful. Pertinent to note that many ethnicities and nationalities are represented within the child's school.

10/10. This needs to be in every elementary school library.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Raegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

An original and uplifting book for children!

I enjoyed the rhyming and message in this book. The illustrations are nice with bright colors. It is always good to teach self-love to children early on, chubby or not. If your kid is a little pudgy, then this would be a helpful and thoughtful gift!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Curves Like Mine" is a deeply empowering and beautifully illustrated book that celebrates self-love and acceptance, especially for children who may feel different due to their size or appearance.

As a plus-size woman who has faced the challenges of growing up feeling judged and misunderstood, I resonated deeply with the themes explored in this book. Diggs masterfully captures the emotions of bullying, self-doubt, and the journey towards self-love with sensitivity and authenticity.

The story follows a young girl navigating the complexities of being curvier than her peers, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and longing for acceptance. Through the unwavering support of her family, she learns to embrace her uniqueness and celebrate her curves with confidence.

One of the most powerful aspects of "Curves Like Mine" is its portrayal of familial love and support as a catalyst for self-acceptance. The bond between the protagonist and her family members serves as a source of strength and reassurance, reminding readers that they are worthy of love and respect just as they are.

While the book primarily focuses on the experiences of plus-sized girls, I couldn't help but wish for more representation of plus-sized boys as well. Additionally, incorporating scenes of diverse body types among the student body would have added to the book's impact, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and inclusivity.

Nevertheless, the story's message of embracing one's uniqueness and finding beauty from within shines brightly through its heartfelt narrative and stunning illustrations. "Curves Like Mine" serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for children of all sizes, reminding them that they are perfect just the way they are.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable picture book! I love how we're having more and more diverse picture books. Curves Like Mine is about a young girl who starts to realize she is bigger than all the other kids. She starts to feel down and sad, and her mom notices. Her mom encourages her to say positive affirmations in the morning, and this helps the little girl gain confidence.
I love the message of this story so much! I’m so happy to find a picture book that actually talks about something real. I was also really happy that her mom was the one helping her. Hopefully, that will encourage kids to talk to their parents about feeling different. Even though I loved the message of the story, I didn’t enjoy the illustrations as much. I have liked other illustrations more such as Eyes that Kiss in the Corners. While I enjoyed the book, I personally would not recommend someone to do self affirmations. But I still think it was a lovely little book that can be helpful to any little kid who feels different.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.

[MookNana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young girl feels judged, othered, and picked on because of her body type, but with the help of her loving, supportive mother she learns to accept and celebrate herself exactly as she is and rethink the meaning of beauty. Body diversity and positivity are so rare in children's books and I'm thrilled to have another resource to introduce the topic to students.

That said, I'm not entirely sure about the descriptor of "curvy" for a prepubescent girl--to me it implies a more adult figure. But, the meaning and usage of the term could definitely be in flux, especially since there isn't much precedent for discussing this topic with young people. This would definitely make a great addition to school and classroom libraries for pre-K and elementary. Kids always benefit from seeing themselves on the page, and the positive message of this story applies to everyone.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

[Misse Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important and inspirational book!

I really enjoyed reading Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs illustrated children’s book: Curves Like Mine. It is a fantastic representation of body positivity and self-acceptance that is so needed in today’s society for children and adults alike. I remember being very curvy all throughout my school-aged years and it can be rough trying to navigate the perceptions around image not to mention learning yourself and all the nuances with growing up.

I loved the affirming conversations that occurred between mother and child. I am a firm believer that you have to breathe life into children. The author and illustrator both did a marvelous job in capturing this. The images are beautiful as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for gifting me a copy of this awesome book in exchange for an honest review!

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was such a lovely story to read! The story was well written and it was easy to read and understand. The illustrations in the book were just wonderful, they were nice, bright and colourful and they brought the story to life. I loved the positive messaging about letting your true beauty show and that this comes from within. As a mum to an 8 year old daughter I loved the message of self-love and positive affirmation, my daughter was being bullied as she looked different as she wore glasses, they were calling her ugly, nerdy and telling her no-one liked her. It is books like this that inspire children and help them to overcome these things by looking deep inside and seeing the positives that we all do as adults and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of empowerment and self love!

Something I wholeheartedly applaud, a lovely, empowering and positive book! This book focuses on a child embracing themselves and shines the light onto body positivity which I really think is a good step for children aged 5+ to find acceptance in themselves especially as there is already such negativity surrounding apps that encourage filters and then of course social media platforms too, children obviously see these and learn from us, we all know adults can be so cruel and this doesn't so this book really encouraging.

I thought that the art work was pretty nice as well and the style and structure of the book just really helped it flow!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this free ARC in return for my review, thoroughly enjoyed this book and will recommend it!

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, but pitched well for a young audience, this concerns a young girl pestered at school for being a bit on the chunky side (the visuals never show her as large, but everyone else slightly cartoonishly skinny instead, which may help the book sell its moral to those just perceiving themselves as fat in error). The affirmative message comes from the mother concerned, and the text while not set out as verse is actually in pretty decent rhymes. While the lack of strong narrative entertainment here might leave this struggling in the marketplace, it does achieve what it needs to with its positivity.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had books like these when I was young, then maybe I wouldn’t have spent (and spend) my life to accept my body and me and love myself as I am. This is just so beautiful, to teach children about self love early is something we should always have been doing. This covers bullying , but also reassurance and how family can support you , leading to self acceptance and loving yourself . The art is so beautiful I would happily read this with any child and share my experiences alongside this.

A huge thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Phan]

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love book about body positive! This short story is written in simple language so that even small children can follow it.
The story is simple, yet it is still adorable and meaningful. This is a nice story about learning to love and accept yourself despite of what others say, since true beauty comes from within. I really like the book's message and the artwork is just stunning.

[Saloni Porwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a huge fan of children's books, but this one was lovely. I have always been towards the thinner side, and I have faced lots of body shaming in that sense. But this book opened me up on what plump kids have to face. It is a simple story with lessons on positivity, acceptance, tolerance, and self talk. I quite loved the way the words rhymed (I really enjoyed that as a kid.) Another part that I loved is how people accept you once you start loving yourself. The illustrations by Sofi Butusov were memorable and colorful. I think this book will be appealing to children.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Curves Like Mine by Krystaelynne Sanders Diggs! It’s a sweet mother-daughter story about where true beauty comes from. The illustrations are beautiful. I highly recommend this book! I think this book would be perfect for any type of story time, but especially for a mother-daughter time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (My review is also on Goodreads.)

[Crystal W · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, thank you to #CurvesLikeMine #NetGalley for allowing me the chance to read this.

I feel like there could have been a lot more information given, and items addressed. I would personally use different wording when addressing some of these things, but everybody is different. Either way, it’s important for more books like this to be made.

I am an Early Childhood Educator and would be willing to add this to my classroom collection. I think the children would like reading this.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gorgeous book. A really lovely 'chat' about how everyones bodies are different, but everyones body is equally valid and that no matter what you are loved and worthy. The illustrations are so lovely as well. A beautiful book with so much meaning and one that should be in every library and school.

[PJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewing via advanced copy from NetGalley:

This book has an amazing message that I needed as a child. It's so important to be told that you are beautiful and your curves are okay. The illustrations are so cute and make it an easy read.

As an educator, however, there are a few pages that have too many words for a child, but overall great book and great message.

[Naza · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Couldn't be that true beauty isn't only what you see?.

I wish I could read a book like this when I was growing up.

A message for self-love, confidence and self trust.
This is a little book but full of beautiful images and important messages for young girls but also for the adults. I absolutely adored it!

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about learning to love and accept yourself despite what others may say because your true beauty comes from within yourself.

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the #gifted arc.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book with a message about loving yourself. This is a children’s book that tackles lifelong issues. This is a great starter for further discussions. Cute illustrations. Recommended!

[Irayda Moran (Quezada) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every little girl should read this. Beautifully written!

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, net galley for the arc. This book was beautifully illustrated and the message is wonderful for not only the younger crowd but a sentiment for the older generation still struggling.