My Self, Your Self

September 30, 2022

PreS-Gr 3-Celebrate and ponder the joy and power of knowing one's self in this contemplative and encouraging tale. Readers are introduced to a small, sprite-like creature as they wander through a blooming landscape. As the being treks through nature and chats with woodland neighbors and friends, they reflect on themselves and what "self" exactly means. It is different, for instance, from "YOUR self," but is it inside or outside? Could it be how we feel, or make others feel? While the narrative progresses, caregivers and readers will find ample discussion opportunities on subjects such as self-discovery and thoughtfulness. The conclusion celebrates the differences found among friends, and serves as an invitation to know and honor one's self. Shapiro's rich, mixed-media illustrations feature a muted palette and abound with details that will enthrall readers from start to finish. Pair with Juliana Perdomo's Sometimes, All I Need is Me for a duo of grand titles on the topics of mindfulness and self-awareness. VERDICT Highly recommended for purchase in all collections.-Olivia Gorecke

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Starred review from October 31, 2022
Shapiro envelops big ideas within this whimsically affirming exploration of individuality and selfhood. An anthropomorphic creature in brown boots and a “very special sprout hat” invokes the tone of a beloved elder, stating, “I have been with my self for a very long time.” As the protagonist encounters various forest beings, including a mushroom and a snail, it ponders “What is a self?” and asks if it’s “What we put on our toast? The way we button our coats?” The sprout then vocalizes appreciations about its pals ( “I like the way you bake cranberry-butter-pie muffins... and the way you always make enough to share”) before outlining what it likes about itself. The easy, conversational rhythm offers lots of opportunities for sharing, and the pen, watercolor, and digital art features intricately etched black-and-white backgrounds, with blips of red and earth-toned color throughout. A welcome, wandering contemplation of a book about being “OURSELVES together.” Ages 3–7.

Starred review from October 1, 2022
Explore the magic of knowing yourself. A small fey creature, perhaps a sprite or a pixie, in a lush landscape of flowers and greenery guides readers through a simple but profound examination of their self and their interactions with others. Emerging from their acorn-shaped home, the creature, which vaguely resembles a radish (in boots), goes about their interactions with other characters inspired by nature, such as a walking, mushroomlike friend and a tall, flowerlike chef. As they interact, thoughtful narration guides their day: "I have been / with my self / for a very long time. // MY self is not / YOUR self. / What is a self? / Is it INSIDE of us? / or OUTSIDE of us?" Each question accompanies a vignette of small acts, from buttoning up a coat to making a sandwich, but caregivers and educators will know that it's more than that; each question and simple sentence is there to encourage dialogue and self-discovery from young readers. As the narration continues, readers learn what small things the creature likes about themself and their companions. The story is a study in self-awareness, one made stronger by the gorgeously detailed mixed-media illustrations and hand-lettered phrases that hark back to the aesthetics of the late 1960s and early 1970s. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sublime joy. (Picture book. 4-8)

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