Mommy, am I pretty?

Denommé encourages children to remember that beauty shines from within in this inspiring children’s book.

Molly’s best friend asks her if she looks “pretty,” but she isn’t quite sure what the word means. At home, Molly’s mother quickly determines that the girl doesn’t understand what it is that makes someone pretty, so she seizes on a teachable moment. She provides her daughter several examples by asking questions about Molly’s day: “Did you smile and give a friendly greeting to the neighbors?” or did she “step over a worm?” Being polite, trying your best, being kind to a new child at school, or sharing a toy are all actions that make someone pretty, Molly’s mother says. She reminds the girl that “the way you look on the outside has nothing to do with how pretty you are on the inside. Pretty comes from a person’s heart.” Molly heeds her mother’s words and comes to realize that her mother is one of the prettiest people she knows, because of her kindness. She also realizes that she’s pretty herself, from the inside out. Denommé’s short book takes aim at society’s traditional, superficial definitions of beauty. In very simple, straightforward terms, she drives home the message that one’s actions towards others and one’s positive sense of self are what truly count. The examples that Molly’s mother cites are all age-appropriate for young readers, who will understand the importance of helping others through small, everyday deeds. It’s a concept that seems very simple in theory, yet one that can be difficult for people to implement. The colorful illustrations by Denommé’s young daughters are a cheerful accompaniment to the text, and even the youngest readers, who may not understand the words, will be able to understand the overall message.

A colorful story that can help parents start an early conversation about beauty and self-esteem.