by Aly Raisman (Author) Bea Jackson (Illustrator)
A joyful ode to loving and caring for our bodies, from Olympic gold medalist and advocate Aly Raisman and bestselling artist Bea Jackson.
My body is my own.
My body is just right for me,
From my head to my toes
From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly's inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age.
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Affirmations weave throughout activist and Olympian Raisman's work about boundary setting and being in tune with one's body--as a motif reads, "from my head to my toes." Early lines celebrate self-love ("I am strong./ I am beautiful./ I am unique") and caretaking ("I love my body, / so I am kind to my body"), then move into specific appreciations for the way that a person's body can communicate ("It tells me/ when I am hot or cold, / and when I am sleepy/ or hurt or hungry"). Eventually, the refrain provides transition to a discussion of bodily autonomy and consent. Plain-spoken text prepares readers for moments when someone might "hug me or tickle me" without first asking permission, and then asserts every individual's right to say no when people who "do not respect that my body is my own... touch me without my permission." In kinetic action scenes, Jackson's signature-style artwork features active youth of varied abilities, body types, and skin tones, among them the author, identifiable in an "Aly" tee. A note to adult readers addresses the author's personal experience with abuse and offers resources. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Raisman has created a much-needed resource for starting a dialogue about consent...Necessary and empowering. - Kirkus
Aly Raisman is an activist and Olympic gold medalist who captained the U.S. gymnastics team to gold in 2012 and 2016. A native of Needham, Massachusetts, Aly is a leader on and off the mat. She's a fierce advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, and was honored at the Glamour Women of the Year awards for her efforts. Aly is the author of the New York Times-bestselling YA memoir Fierce. From My Head to My Toes is her debut picture book.
Bea Jackson is the award-winning artist of beloved picture books such as Hair Like Mine by Latashia M. Perry and the New York Times bestseller Parker Looks Up by Parker and Jessica Curry. She lives in Detroit, Michigan.