Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!
I always look forward so much to seeing what you all choose each week! There are so many amazing books out there! I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a hard time choosing only one every Friday – I always want to share at least five! 😊
Today I have a choice that is different in two ways. One, it’s written by someone who is a YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok celebrity, and I typically don’t review books written by celebrities of any kind. Two, its topic is one I think is important and there should be more books of this kind. See what you think – does it strike you as a Perfect Picture Book? I’m interested in opinions!
Title: Beautifully Me
Written By: Nabela Noor
Illustrated By: Nabi H. Ali
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, September 14, 2021, fiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: self-esteem, healthy body image
Opening: “Salaam! My name is Zubi Chowdhury.
Yesterday, I woke up before the sun.
I knew it was going to be a special day.
It was my first day of school!
I put on my blue overalls and pink shirt with fancy puffy sleeves. Amma had made it just for me in Bangladesh. I twisted my hair into two pigtails with my lucky butterfly clops and slid on my bangles.”
Brief Synopsis: Zubi, a young Bangladeshi girl, is excited for her first day of school, but when everyone around her seems suddenly focused on their size she begins to doubt herself. Will kids make fun of her because she isn’t skinny? Her family helps her to see that it is who you are that makes you beautiful, not how much you weigh.
Links To Resources: glossary of Bengali words used in the text; celebrate your strengths and the strengths of those around you! What are you good at? What makes you special? What makes you YOU? 15+ Fun SElf-Esteem Activities & Games for Children and Teens (scroll down past the explanation of what self-esteem is and how parents and teachers can help foster it in children to the activities and games.)
Why I Like This Book: This lovely book shows the importance of kindness and being yourself, and of celebrating all the unique characteristics that make you “beautifully you”. What makes us special is what’s on the inside – who we are – not the package it comes in. Although some reviews have faulted this book for “promoting obesity”, I feel that it promotes kindness, acceptance, and positive body image, and in today’s world where kids are bombarded with images of what they’re “supposed to look like,” it’s important for them to know that there are many different (and beautiful!) body types and that what is important is being healthy, and being a good, kind person who supports others. Every child can benefit from this book’s encouragement to find and honor their strengths.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Susanna, thank you for reviewing this! I typically also shy away from celebrity books. But I can’t wait to get a good look at this one.
It looks like a lovely book, Susanna, and important to show acceptance of all, regardless of any physical differences. I read recently that studies show that fitness is more important for health than weight. I think mental health is probably more important than either.
I like the poster of strengths you have included. It provides opportunities for many discussions.
I think this sounds like a fantastic book! We need more books like this. Thanks!
I love that this is a picture book for younger kids because of the focus on kindness and being happy with who you are. I’ve reviewed some excellent celebrity books, especially if they carry a strong message! Also like the character strength poster you shared.
Children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities need to see themselves in books and feel good about themselves. This book seems to convey this message well. Thanks for sharing it today!
What a wonderful concept for a picture book! It is important for children (and adults) to appreciate others for who they are. I wish I could have shared books like Beautiful Me with my young students when I started teaching. Thank you for sharing.
Yes, I agree. Being kind and positive to yourself and others should be promoted, whether it’s via a celebrity or a lesser known author. Celebrities tend to have a larger platform, so their books are automatically on the radar of their fans, which is important. I’m glad you featured it today, Susanna!
This book has been on my radar – what a great review you give. And an important issue: our strengths, and self-kindness.
This looks like an important book for children. I can’t think of another picture book dealing with this issue and what is most important. Thanks for sharing.
I hope reading it will get me to stop focusing on my weaknesses! Thanks, Susanna!
This book is so timely now especially with the troubles happening to young girls on social media.
Great choice! I agree, it is a topic that we need !
Looking forward to reading and reviewing this book! 🙂
Children get many messages about how they should look and behave. These start when they are very young. It’s about time we have a book with a positive message. Thanks for showcasing this one, Susanna!