Most Perfect You

March 15, 2022
When Irie tells her momma she hates her big poofy hair, her momma explains that everything about Irie was perfectly custom made. Irie wants her hair to swing and bounce like the "pretty hair" that "everyone else" has. But Momma tells her that she didn't make Irie to be like everyone else. "I made you to be you." Momma explains that when she was expecting Irie, she talked to God and made special requests. Out of all the skin tones in the world, Momma chose her favorite for Irie. The same for her hair type, her sparkling eyes, her kissable nose, and her bright smile. Momma also chose a good heart for Irie, and when she was born, she was perfect, and as she grew, she was kind. When Momma tells her "you are all of my favorite things," Irie runs to the mirror and sees herself with new eyes: a "most perfect me." This sweet, imaginative tale highlights the importance of parental love in boosting children's self-esteem and will be a touching read-aloud for families who have struggled with issues of fitting in. The story is a challenging one to illustrate; the full-color digital art is warm with soft shades of natural-looking color but struggles to create engaging scenes to accompany Momma's explanation of her conversation with God. The multiple spreads showing Irie and Momma flying through the atmosphere among clouds, stars, and hearts become a bit monotonous and lack depth of expression. Characters are Black. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A fresh take on an enduring theme. (Picture book. 4-7)

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May 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 When Irie, a young Black girl, asks to wear her winter hat on a warm summer day, her mother wants to know why. Irie confesses, "I hate my hair. It's too poofy . . . I want pretty hair like everyone else." "But Irie," the mother says, "I didn't make you to be like everyone else. I made you to be you." Taking a seat on the stairs beside her child, the mother tells the story of how Irie was born beautifully unique. Affirming the girl's hair, skin, eyes, and other features, Irie's mother assures her that she is perfect just the way that she is. After talking to her mother, Irie sees herself differently in the mirror, identifying numerous reasons to love herself. As Irie's mother shares her story, the illustrations take on a whimsical, dreamlike quality in which Irie and her mother fly through star-flecked scenes. The kind words Irie's mother speaks will resonate with young readers, making this a lovely choice for those looking for books about accepting differences, affirming children, and self-acceptance.

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