LOVE YOURSELF

In Sally Chau’s debut rhyming picture book, a young creature struggles with being different from those around him.

An axolotl named Nigel and his friends leave their ocean school for the summer, and Bob and another salamander go through a metamorphosis that changes their appearance during the summer break. The pair think Nigel now looks “so different compared to us, which makes you weird.” As a result, they want to end their friendship with him. Nigel begins to doubt himself when he looks in the mirror: “I am weird, and I hate the way I look.” His caretaker, a young human girl, explains, “Metamorphosis does not usually happen to axolotls, Nigel.” She points out that Nigel has “a special, magical power”: limb regeneration. Nigel eventually gains confidence, accepts himself, and makes a new friend. Sally Chau’s story has a wonderful message that will resonate with children who feel unusual, celebrating the uniqueness of each creature. Julie Chau’s soft watercolors will draw young readers into the axolotl’s watery world, and they’ll empathize with Nigel as they learn how every creature has importance. At one point, though, Nigel and his new friend get bubble tea in disposable plastic cups with straws, which strikes an odd note in the otherwise unspoiled natural environment.

A worthy tale of discovering one’s self-worth.