I Like Myself! [Hardcover]

Karen Beaumont (Author), David Catrow (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2004 | Age Range: 4 - 8 years

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here's a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This curly haired African-American moppet really likes herself. No matter what she does, wherever she goes, or what others think of her, she likes herself because, as she says, "I'm ME!" Catrow's watercolor, ink, and pencil illustrations bring even more humor to the funny verse. The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity, especially the full spread of the child and her highly unusual bicycle. Even with "…stinky toes/or horns protruding from my nose," her dog loves her unconditionally. She is so full of joy that readers will love her, too–even when she has purple polka-dotted lips. Titles such as Jamie Lee Curtis's I'm Gonna Like Me (2002) and Kathi Appelt's Incredible Me! (2003, both HarperCollins) have a similar theme, but the main characters are Caucasian. A great addition.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"The brightly colored art and rhymes are reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's work with their quirky absurdity." — School Library Journal

 

"Sure to become a storytime favorite." —Kirkus Reviews

--This text refers to the Board book edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152020136
• ISBN-13: 978-0152020132
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

More About the Author

KAREN BEAUMONT's picture books include Being Friends, illustrated by Joy Allen, and Louella Mae, She's Run Away!, illustrated by Rosanne Litzinger. She lives in San Martin, California.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Adults, listen up! December 24, 2005

By David W. Hughens

Format:Hardcover

This book should be soaked up by parents everywhere. What a beautiful world this would be if all adults had the self-confidence of the little girl in I Like Myself! The illustrations are wonderful and the rhyme is divine. Treat yourself to a splendid book and give yourself a big hug and say, "I like myself!"

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful esteem builder!!! January 8, 2006

By Jaime, mother of two

Format:Hardcover

As a mother of two who teaches, and received a bachelor's degree in literature, this is one of the first children's books I have come across that I can recommend without reservation. Even though the story is about a girl, my sons love it! It's wonderfully illustrated, and when we read it, we giggle at the pictures and the silly ideas. The best thing about this book is that through the silliness the words reinforce a message about self-esteem that cannot be repeated enough! They love it, I love it!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy to be me. June 2, 2004

By K. Roman VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

An ode to self-acceptance told in simple rhyme. Story tells reader that what matters is deep inside. For example, "No matter if they stop and stare, no person ever anywhere can make me feel that what they see is all there really is to me." Catrow's illustrations are lively and loving. Karen Woodworth-Roman

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Read Aloud Winner June 3, 2005

By Carol H. Sibley

Format:Hardcover

I Like Myself! is the first book to receive the Wanda Gág Book Award for the year's best picture book to read aloud to younger children, up to age eight.

An African American girl energetically celebrates her uniqueness. Beaumont's rhyming text describes a confident, joyful, and silly child who appreciates everything about herself. Catrow's colorful surrealistic illustrations, created with watercolor, ink, pencil, and collage, playfully interpret and extend the story. For instance, the illustration of the girl and her pet dog splashing in a bird bath adds another dimension to the text:

I may be called a silly nut

or crazy cuckoo bird-so what?

I'm having too much fun, you see,

for anything to bother me!

The book delighted preschoolers through second graders, who asked to have the book read again and again. They laughed and giggled at the pictures and found something that captivated them on every page. They also enjoyed the rhyming text and commented: "I like myself, too."

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Most Joyful Book That Kids Love! December 30, 2006

By Lynette Stark

Format:Hardcover

I bought this book for a little one in my family, and it was read to the children at our family Christmas gathering. Even the youngest, my daughter's baby, paid attention to the words, and to the illustrations. The little girl I bought it for kept tracing her fingers over the illustrations, and she loved the words. The message in the book is so uplifting. This is a beautiful, lively book. Every teacher should have this in their classroom, and every parent should read it to the little ones in their family.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I Like Myself March 24, 2006

By Lori K. Yanzick

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great book. The message is so important and it is presented in a funny humorous way that kids can relate to. I think anyone who has kids should get this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect children's book August 10, 2005

By S. Conley

Format:Hardcover

The first time I read this book I fell in love. I immediately went out and bought two copies to give away to friends. The rhyming text is so much fun and the illustrations are adorable. It sends a perfect message to any child (and hopefully some adults). I'm always pulling this book off the shelf at work (library) and displaying so it will get checked out as much as possible.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great lesson wrapped in a fun book! January 4, 2005

By Suzan Czoschke

Format:Hardcover

My 8 year old daughter strives for acceptance as many other children...she has no scars or other outstanding characteristics but lives in a world where grown women compete in The Swan, and beauty is more and more defined as being merely skin deep as evidenced by the increasing number of plastic surgeries performed. This book teaches, in oh, so gentle a manner, that we are all different and beauty comes from within. An engaging read, it teaches without preaching and cleverly lets children know that the first key to success is liking YOURSELF. It doesn't do a bad job at reminding adults of that fact, either.