"I LIKE MYSELF"
Author: Karen Beaumont; Illustrator: David Catrow
Published: May1,2004
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=rMV66GBVRFM
Summary: "I Like Myself"
I like Myself is a high energy picture book about an equally high energy, adorable little African-Americam girl who exudes a joy of self-acceptance. Her ultimate explanation for why she likes herself so much? Because "I'm ME!" Catrow's illustrations are a lot of fun, but what I love about this book is the message in Beaumont's bouncy text. For example, one spread reads:
Even when I look a mess
I still don't like me any less
'cause nothing in this world , you know,
can change what's on the inside, and so...
This is a cute story where a little girl likes herself and describes her look and personality in a wonderful way. She is happy with who she is because there is no one else she would rather be. She makes references to linking her eyes, ears, nose, and toes, and not being bothered when people stare because she knows there is more to herself than her appearance. This rhyming book uses colorful pictures to support the point the young girl is trying to make. I Like Myself -- Best Picture Books on Self-Esteem
www.the-best-childrens-books.org/I-Like-Myself.html
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I found that the book "I Like Myself" has a great message of excepting yourself and loving you for who you are. I especially, liked the illustrations; they are wonderful and make the story alive. It's a beautiful book that kids will easily love right away.
I would recommend this book to younger children who are in need of a self-confident boost. Also, this book can be used by teachers while talking about differences in others, why is important to honor them, and no judge people by the way they look.
About the Author
Karen Beaumont is also the author of Being Friends and Louella Mae, She's Run Away! Mrs. Beaumont works nights as an adult education instructor, and plays most days at her real job, writing books for children. She has two daughters, one furry feline, and lives in coyote country out in wild west San Martin, California.
David Catrow is a political cartoonist and the illustrator of many popur books for children, including the Book Sense 76 Top selection Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland. he lives in Springlield, Ohio.
I would recommend this book to younger children who are in need of a self-confident boost. Also, this book can be used by teachers while talking about differences in others, why is important to honor them, and no judge people by the way they look.
About the Author
Karen Beaumont is also the author of Being Friends and Louella Mae, She's Run Away! Mrs. Beaumont works nights as an adult education instructor, and plays most days at her real job, writing books for children. She has two daughters, one furry feline, and lives in coyote country out in wild west San Martin, California.
David Catrow is a political cartoonist and the illustrator of many popur books for children, including the Book Sense 76 Top selection Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll by Karin Ireland. he lives in Springlield, Ohio.
I agree with you on this story being cute and very uplifting. I appreciate that the illustrator kept the little girl appearing natural and not overdone. The fact she touches on the point that even when she is a mess, she still likes who she is, and sometimes that is a really important message children need to hear. It's okay to be who you are, even on your worst days.
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I saw on your blog was the happiest illustration I had ever seen. Her smile and high self-esteem are infectious. The fact that she loves her outside and her inside would create a wonderful discussion about self-acceptance.
ReplyDeleteBased on you analysis this story sounds like it would be a great addition to a children's classroom. I like that you addressed the intensity of the high-energy words and how delightful the girl is. It sounds like it teaches a wonderful message of self-confidence and how to love yourself for who you are. The illustrations look simple but are still able to convey the positivity that the girl expresses. Thank you for sharing this story!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this book. I like how the author represents a young African-American girl in a non-stereotypical way, and non-stereotypical illustrations as well.Also, I love that the story shows positive self-esteem and helps young children build self-confidence,which is very important at a young age. I would absolutely share this book in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I LOVE it! In my blog I state that "I Wish that I Had Duck Feet" could use a bit of an update in the illustration department. With all the animal parts and same message this book is, in a way, exactly that! The illustrations in this book are absolutely adorable and I love that you shared a video link.
ReplyDeleteI really love that the author or the illustrator did not add stereotypical illustrations to the character. They show a happy little African American girl that is enjoying life and happy with the way that she is. I really love the fact that the book doesn't focus on what is on the outside, but what is on the inside instead. I find that a really important aspect of child development. The world that we live in today is very worried about what the world looks like outside of ourselves, when in reality we need to be worried about how beautiful we are or are not on the inside. What is on the inside is what really matters, beauty fades over time and the idea that they take a child and show that in a few short pages can show that to children. Showing them that even if the world is crazy on the outside your heart matters. At least that is what I got from the book. It sounds like other people also agree with that.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute little book! I love it! This would be a really great book to read in class. The pictures bring a smile to a face, the words rhyme and are fun, and the girl gives off so much happy vibes about being herself, little kids could learn from her! This book is not only perfect for a self esteem boost, but also suits perfectly in teaching the little ones that being different is something to be happy about:)
ReplyDelete