JUST. LIKE. YOU.

Each of us, no matter what our age, brings a unique gift to the world.

People have different eye colors, like brown, gray, or hazel. Others have hair that is different in length, style, and/or texture. Still others have bodies that are different shapes and sizes from other people’s—bodies that they decide to dress in clothes traditionally considered male, female, or both, or neither. Children also have different personalities, likes, and dislikes. Some may be shy, while others are confident and loud. Some children speak with their hands, while others read with their hands. The book concludes with a message encouraging readers to celebrate their own differences by appreciating the unique contributions they make to the world. This rhyming book about diversity is driven by its simple, cartoon illustrations, which depict people with a variety of body, hair, skin, and eye types as they organically incorporate diverse characteristics into otherwise mundane activities. Examples of these visual messages include a girl in a hijab painting a landscape, a child with forearm crutches going door to door to get out the vote, and a different child snuggled in bed with two women of color. The extensive representation of disability is refreshing. However, the book is basically a list of personality traits and physical features and not a narrative. Although the underlying message is clear, inspiring, and highly relevant, unfortunately, the book’s execution feels similar to existing titles and approaches. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A rhyming picture book about celebrating difference that isn’t quite different enough.