I LIKE YOU SO MUCH

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.