'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Review: Be True to You!

We should all be true to ourselves. We should all shout out loud and proud about who we are and who we want to be. 

This is the core message in Be True to You! written by Maggie Hutchings and illustrated by Hayley Wells.

Inside every body a heart sings brave and true.

Slow down and listen carefully. It’s singing ‘this is you!’


Written in lovely rhyme, this short and sweet picture book explores identity and individuality. It’s a message to kids to not listen to the naysayers when they tell you you can’t do something or wear something or be something.

It encourages kids to stand up for who they are on the inside, reassuring them it’s okay to be exactly who they are.

And if you hear a heart song that’s all alone and blue,
don’t forget to tell them… ‘it’s okay to be you!’

The illustrations are colourful and inviting, with kid characters loving life on every page. There’s loads of emotion infused into their faces. There are gorgeous, patterned details throughout and a stunning visual metaphor for your inner self.

This is a great one for sharing ideas about believing in yourself and being the YOU you want to be.

Title: Be True to You!
Author: Maggie Hutchings
Illustrator: Hayley Wells
Publisher: Affirm Press, $22.99
Publication Date: 28 May 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922863898
For ages:  3 - 6 
Type: Picture Book