I Love Myself
by Wai Mei Wong (Author) Julia Vasileva (Illustrator)
"I'm still learning to love myself, but it's okay. I know I can always keep trying."
Even an ordinary day is full of little challenges, especially when you're a kid. Like when you're learning to ride a bike and you still need training wheels...so the other kids ride past you. Or when you jump in a mud puddle...but you fall in and get your pants wet. Luckily you can learn to be kind to yourself with a bit of practice.
In this sweet picture book we accompany a child through their day, from morning to bedtime, as their inner self--portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature--supports them in their endeavors. Some are harder than others, but the positive message of the text highlights how you can love yourself through big feelings, try something different, say no, and so much more.
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Publishers Weekly
A young protagonist models self-love through affirmations in this reassuring book from Wong and Vasileva. "I love myself even when/ I'm not perfect," declares the speaker, portrayed with brown skin, while cycling with training wheels; others, shown with various skin tones, pedal ahead. The simple titular sentiment similarly builds confidence when the child attempts something new, sets boundaries, struggles to "understand my big feelings," and works to "stand up after I fall." Other instances express warm appreciation for self and life ("I love myself when I'm with people who care about me"). Stylized watercolor, ink, and digital illustrations lend a quirky perspective to the proceedings. As the child navigates their world, a snuggly looking cream creature accompanies--seemingly a physical representation of the love that's there throughout the day--for an effect that's cuddly and reassuring. Ages 3-5. (Feb.)
Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Review quotes
Formerly an early childhood educator, Wai Mei Wong's first book, Hello, Dark, was shortlisted for the 2022 IODE Jean Throop Book Award and was a 2022 CCBC Spring Best Books for Kids & Teens selection. She was born in Hong Kong and now lives in Toronto.
Julia Vasileva is a Vancouver, British Columbia-based children's book illustrator whose books include Agent Pangolin and How the Faeries Dance. From an early age she had a voracious love of books and stories, which led to her getting a literature degree. After she immigrated to Canada in 2014, she found herself creating books instead of studying them. Her style combines traditional and digital techniques to build imaginative worlds for children to dive into.
Self-acceptance
