Review Detail

I CAN BE…ME is a charming encouragement to children to be who they want to be. The book encourages children to explore what they enjoy without fear of not being accepted. Six children explore the many ways they can be themselves with their play and imagination.

The author’s use of rhyme during her storytelling allows for a delightful read along experience. The author goes through a variety of ways that the characters can be themselves even including how they express their emotions when feeling sad or mad.

Colorful and creative artwork allows the book to flourish. The illustrations are vivid and brimming with creativity. The additional details in the drawings add to the charm. The artwork resembles more polished versions of artwork that children themselves would create. The six children find themselves engaging in a wide array of activities, showcasing without words the acceptance that this book promotes.

Leslea Newman’s delightful rhymes combined with Maya Christina Gonzalez’s colorful illustrations make I CAN BE…ME a charming book about children being themselves.