Gorgeously Me!

Praise

Praise for Gorgeously Me!:

“Van Ness’ uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair’s exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one’s feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. In an author’s note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book’s message of kindness, love, and understanding. [An] infectious ode to self-expression [and] an animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light.”
—Kirkus reviews


“I’m perfectly, happily, gorgeously me”—the repeating sentiment empowers in Van Ness’s affirming title, which foregrounds themes of confidence and self-acceptance. Upbeat rhymes loosely partner with busy scenes of round-headed kids putting themselves out there: singing among friends, jumping into a lake, dancing onstage, parading down the street, and more. The children, pictured with various abilities and skin tones, seem to give off the sparkly confetti present in each image as they take evident pride in their unique traits. In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self: “When I’m feeling low and like I don’t belong,/ it’s those around me who make me feel strong.” An author’s note concludes.”
—Publishers Weekly