Do you like race cars and kittens and football? Do you like rockets and fairies and mermaids?
Whatever you like to play with, whatever you like to do, Be exactly Who You Are! encourages you to be the YOU you want to be!
It starts with the stereotypical. Girls liking pink things and boys liking trucks.
But turn the page and things change, with one of the characters taking another's cherished something and enjoying it just as much as they do. By the end of the book, everyone is doing what they want to do, being exactly who they want to be. Everyone is enjoying everything. Together!
Author Laura Gehl delivers this one in fun and flawless rhyme, letting kids know it’s okay to be who they are through joy and humour. It’s a great jumping off point to start discussing stereotyping and prejudice, but in a fun and easy to understand way for kids. I love that!
With bright and colourful illustrations, the book is super engaging. My kids delighted in pointing out the things they loved on each page, and we had fun talking about the fact we all liked different things. Illustrator Joshua Heinsz has infused so many varied loves and passions onto these pages, which means no matter who you are, you'll find yourself as you read and explore the book. Every kid will see something they like and relate to the characters.
A fun and charming picture book for all, Be Exactly Who You Are! is a beautiful reminder to every child to love who they are and accept the differences of others.
Title: Be Exactly Who You Are!
Author: Laura Gehl
Illustrator: Joshua Heinsz
Publisher: Affirm Press, $19.99
Publication Date: 23 February 2021
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781922419101
For ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book