About the Book
Celebrates what makes you, YOU! Encourage children to embrace the journey of discovering their authentic and confident self in this charming picture book by New York Times bestselling author Heather Avis. Showcasing the diversity of different body types, mental health, and disabilities, positively reinforce self-worth and what it means to love yourself, and show others how to as well.
Through heartfelt words and colorful illustrations,I Like You So Much!highlights the individuality and wonderful qualities of every child, reminding readers ages 4–8 that they are lovable and worthy just the way they are. Prompt kids to grow into their identity and be kind to themselves as they mark all the things they love: their face, their mind, the way they love! From unique features to incomparable talents to the way they think, feel, and sound, this book reassures children that who they are is amazing and truly enough. A perfect addition for library story time, back to school reading, or classroom discussions,I Like You So Much!is a warm and joyful celebration of what makes each and every one of us special.
I Like You So Much:
Encourages children to be self-confident, self-aware, and secure in who they are—no matter what!
Represents children of all abilities and showcases the beauty of diversity and differences in physicality and accessibility
Highlights the resilience it takes to love oneself and others, as well as support kids’ positive emotional wellbeing and mental health
Is perfect for sharing with your little one at bedtime or in a classroom as a springboard for discussion on diversity, inclusion, and self-love
Is written by New York Times bestselling author Heather Avis and features beautiful artwork from Juliana Eigner
Join the fun as we celebrate the uniqueness and beauty in every child in your life withI Like You So Much!
About the Author :
Heather Avis is a New York Times bestselling author, public speaker, podcaster, and a Down syndrome advocate. She is the founder of and chief visionary officer at The Lucky Few, an advocacy organization dedicated to shouting worth, shifting narratives, and reimagining what it looks like when we create spaces of belonging. She lives in Southern California with her husband Josh and three kids, Macyn, Truly, and August and two Goldendoodles, Maeby and George Michael.
Juliana Eigner is a mom, born in São Paulo, who’s been doodling since childhood. She ditched the urban hustle during the pandemic and now lives with her daughter by the mangrove, spending her days surrounded by kids, paints, crabs, and bugs, with canoes and the beach as her backdrop. A pro illustrator for over two decades, she’s currently head over heels for crafting patterns, magazines, and loads of tales for children’s books.
Review :
PreS-Gr 3--There are words every person needs to hear, no matter how old or young. That is why this book will truly appeal to any age. While not a story, Avis's new book is an affirmation of the differences in how people look, act, and feel, and the importance of every person, no matter what. This book celebrates all aspects of every person and how important every person is because of who they are. Each page is filled with statements to empower children and celebrate their uniqueness in this whole, wide, wild world. More importantly, how this uniqueness makes them who they are, which is the most important and greatest thing ever. This includes children who are older, who sometimes need this type of reminder about themselves and others. The illustrations feature a diverse cast of children playing, celebrating, and being happy, rounding out the message of the importance of different people and how their differences are what make this world amazing. This book follows the author's previous works as an uplifting, reaffirming message for children and adults, reminding people that who they are is important. VERDICT In a time where too much of what children see is negative, a book like this in a library collection or being read-aloud to them is important. A great tool for both the library and SEL.--Richard Winters
Author, podcaster, and Down syndrome advocate Avis explains just what there is to like about you.
Filled with cute, bright, blocky illustrations that bring the affirming text to life, each page directly addresses readers, pinpointing something that makes them special, from their faces and bodies to their empathy and persistence. Though Avis' words can apply to nearly any child, they'll be especially meaningful to young people with disabilities; the author praises 'how you use the body you have to do exactly what your body can do,' and rather than mentioning spoken language, she lauds the way 'you whistle, click, squeak, or hum.' Eigner's images portray racially diverse children, multiple youngsters with vitiligo, and several kids using wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, noise reduction headphones, and mobility canes (depicted as simple black lines). One figure, a young pale-skinned child with short blond hair--perhaps a reader stand-in--appears on most pages and is the only character whose thoughts are externalized in the illustrations. Though the tale is a shade purposeful, it's also deeply reassuring; briefly written and encouraging, it's a strong read-aloud option for parents, caregivers, or teachers seeking to buoy young people.
Short and sweet, with an empowering message for all who pick it up.
