Remarkably You - Pat Zietlow Miller (Illus. Patrice Barton)

Summary:  No matter your volume, your age, or your size, YOU have the power to be a surprise.  You have the know-how.  You're savvy and smart. You could change the world.  Are you willing to start?

This is a bold and uplifting love letter to all the things -- big or small -- that make us who we are.  With inspiring text by award-winning author Pat Zietlow Miller and exuberant illustrations by Patrice Barton, this book will delight readers as it shows all the ways they can be their remarkable selves.  (Summary from book - Image from amazon.com)

My Review:  Y'all, I feel like I've hit the children's book jackpot lately.  You might remember my recent reviews of Alma y Cómo Obtuvo Su Nombre (the Spanish version of Alma and How She Got Her Name) and La Princesa and the Pea?  Well, I bought Remarkably You right alongside both of them at my local elementary school book fair.  It's a good think I snapped my copy up on the first day because the rest of the for-sale stack disappeared like elephant ears.  People bought them up quick.  With its essential, well-crafted message, entertaining, rhythmic cadence, and beautiful illustrations, it's not hard to see why!

Honestly, I loved every square inch of the book, but I feel like posting the text it in its entirety would violate some fairly standard copyright laws.  Still, I'd like you to get a feel of why I love it so much, so I'll stick to posting my three favorite parts:

• No matter your volume, your age, or your size, YOU have the power to be a surprise.  You have the know-how.  You're savvy and smart.  You could change the world.  Are you willing to start?
• You have your own spirit, unparalleled flair.  So rock what you've got -- every day, everywhere. Perhaps you wander.  Or wonder.  Or sing.  The world needs your voice and the gifts that you bring.  You can make a difference.  In big ways or small.  You won't know how much till you give it your all.  So find what you're good at, what you have to give.  Then go share your sunshine wherever you live.  
• Don't change how you act to be just like the rest. Believe in yourself and the things you do best.  So whether you're daring or careful or kind, embrace who you are and the way you're designed.  Dream your own dreams.  Hear your own heart.  You could change the world.  You just have to start.  Follow your path.  Do what you love to do.  Be completely, uniquely, remarkably YOU.  

I love how Remarkably You celebrates and affirms different personalities, dreams, talents, appearances, ethnic backgrounds, and abilities.  It encourages children to explore their world, look for ways to help, and problem solve using their own unique set of skills. I adore how it points out that some kids are quiet and prefer to hang back, while others are a bit more outgoing and exuberant...and that both are okay ways to be. Overall, Remarkably You provides a powerful, much-needed message of self-acceptance, empowerment, and encouragement to the rising generation.

Now, if I were tied down, tickle-tortured, and forced to give one piece of constructive criticism for the book, it would be that it would have been nice to see a pudgy kid or two included in the illustrations, in the interest of body diversity.  But that's all I've got.   Seriously.  That's it.

If you have children, grandchildren, or need a great gift idea for a niece or nephew...GET THIS BOOK.

My Rating: 5 (Remarkable) Stars

For the sensitive reader:  All good things.