Beautiful You, Beautiful Me
Tasha Spillett, Salini Perera
Type:
Fiction
Categories:
Concepts | Diversity & Multicultural | Social Issues | Family
Themes:
Body, Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance, General
Language:
English
Publisher:
Grade Level:
1
Age Range:
3-7
Description
A child who looks different from her mother finds beauty and belonging in this new book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller I Sang You Down from the Stars
A child who looks different from her mother finds beauty and belonging in this new book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller I Sang You Down from the Stars
Izzy’s favorite place to be is in Mama’s arms—skin to skin, safe and warm. One night, cuddled up on Mama’s lap, Izzy notices something she’s never noticed before: her skin is the color of chocolate, but Mama’s skin is the color of sand.
When Izzy realizes she’s different from Mama in other ways, too, she feels sad and confused. She wants to be beautiful like Mama! But Mama addresses Izzy’s disappointment with a gentle, loving refrain: You’re part of me, and I’m part of you. I’m beautiful like me, and you’re beautiful like you. Finding lessons from nature and repeating her affirming message, Mama encourages Izzy to see her own unique beauty.
This story about a multiracial child navigating identity and belonging draws from author Tasha Spillett’s own experience growing up as an Afro-Indigenous girl. Lyrical text and warm, lively illustrations show Izzy’s journey as she learns to celebrate the differences that make her uniquely beautiful, and the connection to her mother that transcends physical traits.
Contributors
Formats
Bibliovideo
Awards
CBC Kids ReadsJoint winner
Toronto Public Library First and Best ListCommended
A Loan Stars Jr. Top 10 SelectionCommended
FOLD Kids Book-of-the-MonthCommended
American Indians in Children’s Literature Best Book of 2022Commended
A CBC Best Canadian Picture Book of 2022Commended
Ontario Library Association Top Ten Best Bets ListCommended
Teacher Favorites AwardCommended