Sometimes, All I Need Is Me

Through the girl’s example, readers will learn self-reliance skills for soothing themselves when moments become difficult and an appreciation for both having company and being alone. 

PreS-K—In this simple ode to mindfulness and self-reliance, a young girl walks readers through pieces of her daily social-emotional journey. Her home is cozy, and "smells like cinnamon and feels like warm pajamas." When she's not home, things feel different, but she can find "home" within herself. She loves playing with her friends, but can be her own company. Dancing to music makes her happy, but she can dance to the rhythm of her own drum when things are quiet. While these concepts are abstract for the intended preschool audience, Perdomo simplifies them well enough to encourage conversation between the adults and children sharing the book. Illustrations full of vibrant color and texture, as well as racially diverse characters, give this book visual appeal for not only preschoolers, but a wide slice of the general population. While the message that "I can love myself and become whatever I need" may feel a little starry-eyed and pat to adults with more life experience, this book covers the topics of self-soothing and fostering inner peace well for a younger audience. VERDICT A worthy purchase for collections that need mindfulness/social-emotional selections for children.—Jennifer Noonan

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Colombian author-illustrator Perdomo's heartwarming artwork makes this simple story sing with its childlike style and charm. Her illustrations are filled with bright, bold colors and clean lines that pop against white backgrounds. . . Through the girl's example, readers will learn self-reliance skills for soothing themselves when moments become difficult and an appreciation for both having company and being alone. . . this winning combination will give children the confidence to tap into the power they hold within themselves.
—Booklist (starred review)

A young girl finds courage, comfort, and peace within. . . . Perdomo's simple but powerful narrative explores the balance between self-reliance and dependency and conveys the equal importance of self-care and allowing others to care for us. . . . A heartfelt, reassuring picture book that will help children develop inner resources and psychological strength.

—Kirkus Reviews

In this simple ode to mindfulness and self-reliance, a young girl walks readers through pieces of her daily social-emotional journey. . . Illustrations full of vibrant color and texture, as well as racially diverse characters, give this book visual appeal for not only preschoolers, but a wide slice of the general population.
—School Library Journal

A sweet and utterly comforting book about a young girl who loves the safety of her warm and cozy home. She's learning how to use what she has inside of herself to give her comfort and peace when she's away from home or even scared at night in her own room. It's a book about self-care, self-assurance, peace, and courage that every little one can learn from.
—HipLatina