Io credo in me

Emma Dodd's Love You Books

by Emma Dodd

Un piccolo coccodrillo impara a credere in se stesso con l'aiuto del suo papà. I tenerissimi libri di Emma Dodd sono dedicati all'universo di emozioni che anima il rapporto fra genitori e piccoli, fatto di amore, gioco e complicità. Un'irresistibile collana di libri-coccole, da leggere insieme al proprio bambino.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Juvenile, Self Esteem, Family

20 pages, Hardcover

Published September 29, 2022

About the author

Emma Dodd Author/Illustrator

Emma was brought up in Guildford, Surrey, in a family of artists and from as far back as she can remember she has wanted to be an illustrator.
Emma studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Central Saint Martin's School of Art and has worked extensively in advertising, editorial and book illustration.
She was nominated for the Booktrust Early Years Award in 2006 for her book "What Pet to Get" and in 2009 for "Miaow said the Cow"
Emma lives in Surrey with her husband and two children, who provide inspiration for her work, and their Jack Russel Terrier, Bart, who keeps her fit. She likes to spend any spare time in North Cornwall, surfing and walking in all weathers.

Reviews

[Ailish O’Sullivan]

Another heartwarming book from Emma Dodd! 🐊

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/i-beli...

I BELIEVE IN ME is an inspirational picture book about self-confidence. A little alligator is talking about how they believe in themself in a rhyming poem. They talk about how they will never give up and how their caregiver's belief in them has helped to inspire them. The rhyming text is accompanied by lovely illustrations, with every other page having foil features.

What I loved: This is a clever story about self-esteem and confidence. The rhyming text rolls off the tongue smoothly and shows all the ways to believe in yourself and keep it up. The little alligator and caregiver grace each page and are adorably drawn throughout. Every other page spread features gorgeous foiled images with gold that really elevate the artwork. These are sure to enchant young readers.

Final verdict: A lovely story about self-confidence, I BELIEVE IN ME is a rhyming picture book that young readers will love.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Erin]

Nice growth mindset book. (Also has a nice page of flamingos)

[Ronan Crutchfield]

This book was nice, but I was more interested in crawling around than looking at this one.

[Panda Incognito]

This should be "I believe in myself," and the grammatical error is particularly frustrating because the text repeats this phrase so many times. The illustrations are lovely, and I enjoyed the metallic sheen on the pages, as usual. However, the text is incredibly lackluster, especially since it just repeats well-worn affirmations and canned positivity. Also, although most of Emma Dodd's books involve a parent talking to a child, it's a child talking to a parent here, parroting back the Life Lessons they have learned. It doesn't seem nearly as natural or meaningful.

[Ms. Yingling]

Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

A young crocodile lets its parent know that the positive messages about believing in oneself have been heeded but repeating them back. The crocodile is small, but imagines being bigger and stronger while also trying to do its best. Things may look grim, but that doesn't mean one can give up, and the sun will always come out another day. The message that the baby crocodile is enough and anything is possible is reinforced in simple rhymes, and the closeness between the parent and kind is shown in all of the pictures.

This board book has sturdy pages, and is somewhat bigger than standard board books, with a padded cover decorated with gold accents. There are metallic accents on some of the pages as well. The textures in the illustrations are particularly well done; there's a particularly good portrayal of rain, and also of waves. The colors are in interesting shades. Since everything is set outdoors, there are a lot of browns and greens, but there's an interesting spin with the crocodiles have a bit a of teal tone to their skin and the yellows being rather similar to the Crayola Macaroni and Cheese color. Makes for a lovely sunset.

Embracing positive affirmations seems to be more popular with younger generations. My own mother always told me that I could always be better, although my father was a fan of telling me that I could do anything I set my mind to. I can see this being a popular title with parents as well as teachers who want to inculcate feelings of self worth in the young. Keep I Believe in Me in rotation with Gaines' The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Swerrling and Lazar's The Sky Is the Limit, Byers' I am Enough, or Tillman's You're Here for a Reason. Dodd has a large number of similar titles with positive messages.

That said, my father was obviously wrong. There were PLENTY of things that I was not able to accomplish in my life even though I really wanted to. If there really was "nothing I can't do", I would be teaching Latin somewhere and crocheting in my spare time when I wasn't playing the ukelele. Just another indication that my soul is too dried up and shriveled to truly appreciate picture books for the young. Not really a reflection on the quality of the picture books.

[Jenni]

This board book by Emma Dodd follows a young crocodile as it shows its self confidence in itself and gives the words each young child needs to learn to be confident in themselves and be brave as they grow older. The sweet collage illustrations take the reader from sunny days through troubled days and back out again. The clear colorful illustrations are sure to be a hit for even the youngest readers. I would recommend this title for purchase in most library settings. This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Diane Hoskins]

I really believe in positivity and affirmations and that is exactly what this book is. It is about a baby crocodile who learns that if he believes in himself than a whole new world can be open. I really enjoyed this book and think it is essential for kids who are growing up and starting to go to school where they're being introduced to new people and environment's. I think I would use this in the first week of school to ensure that my students know that I believe they are enough.

[Meredith Kaupp]

This sweet book shows a baby alligator and their mother going through the day. Each page is the baby alligator explaining why they believe in themself and how their mom helps them feel confident in themself. It's a nice way to show children how they can use positive self-talk in their everyday lives. The illustrations are simple but engaging, and the story is lovely.

[Wade Huggins]

I Believe in Me is a board book about affirmations. The baby alligator professes his belief in himself throughout different setback in the book. The text is short and it is a quick read for bedtime or to just as a short story. The book would make a good social and emotional lesson for K-2. Recommended for ages 2-7 by the SEPALIB book reviewers association.

[Jessica]

This is one of those concepts I don't really appreciate. If you don't have something you believe in that's bigger than yourself, I don't understand how you get through the times of despair. I don't lean on myself. I lean on God, because he is all powerful and ever present in my life. I wouldn't read this book to my child.

[Evelyn]

Very positive picture book for young readers with accessible language and emphasis on self worth. Looking to find a number of these as three year olds enter preschool-- reassuring, especially for pandemic kids who haven't really been outside their home much.

[Carly Pipkin]

This is a book about a little crocodile who has the power to believe in himself. He is encourage by those around him to have a good attitude and to work to achieve his goals. It is a great story to show children that if they believe and try their best, they can achieve great things.

[Sarah]

This is such a sweet, positive book to help encourage kids to believe in themselves and in their power to overcome obstacles. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the physical book itself seems quite sturdy. The little alligator is the cutest friend-shaped pal, too.

[Anita]

Cute, sweet and *SHINYYYYY*!!

[Elisabeth]

3.5 stars.

[Cuddle Spike]

Smooth, shiny, good inlays

[Clementine]

the gold leaf paper was a cool addition, and this is fine as far as growth mindset books go, but i've seen it done a hundred times.

[Jami]

3.5, empowerment, rhyming

[Katie]

A book about believing in yourself. Cute and simple story and illustrations, in classic Emma Dodd style. Fun gold foil on some of the pages.

[Miss Sarah]

a simple preschool and up book about a crocodile and the parent that helps them through it all.

[Erin]

Sweet little self-affirmation book.

[Scarlett Mirano]

This book is so sweet 🥰 mommy and daddy do believe in me so much!!!!

[Elizabeth]

It didn't keep either of my boys' interest (3 & 6). A nice concept and my boys liked the illustrations but a little too simple for them. I'd say it's best for a read a loud to a baby or toddler.

[PottWab Regional Library]

A

[Joanna]

Great message and love a good rhyming book

[Selena Pigoni]

A cute and shiny book about a baby alligator that believes in itself.

[Meredith]

A baby crocodile expresses the self-confidence he feels as a result of his parent’s love and support.

"I believe in me. There's nothing I can't do. That's what you taught me, and I believe in you!"

This picture book series conveys parental love and devotion, using short simple text. It provides reassurance to children that they are deeply loved by their primary caregivers who strive to protect and support them.

The text is simple and soothing, and the illustrations, accented with gold foil, are gentle with vivid landscapes.

As with the all the books in this series, the content is heartwarming, and the illustrations are extraordinary. The artwork evokes a strong sense of place and of wonder at the natural world.

[Laura Harrison]

I love Emma Dodd's compact picture books. They are not quite picture books but are not board books either. I Believe in Me is extra special. Maybe one of my favorite Dodd books. Shimmering gold on the cover and on various pages throughout the book make this book particularly stunning. I wish I could include pictures with my review. It is really delightful. A golden sunset with sunrays, golden pond with wading flamingoes, golden stars... This is an affirmation book for toddlers and young children. I absolutely love and highly recommend it!

[Beau’s Books]

Emma Dodd’s Love You series is absolutely beautiful. Each book features stunning illustrations with shimmering foil details that immediately capture attention and make the pages feel extra special. The stories themselves are short, sweet, and deeply heartwarming—perfect for sharing loving moments with little ones. This series is a wonderful way to celebrate unconditional love and connection, making it ideal for both everyday reading and meaningful gifts.