Esmé Shapiro's enchanting picture book, "My Self, Your Self," is a delightful journey through the enchanting world of self-discovery, wrapped in the warmth of adorable forest creatures. As I turned the pages, I found myself immersed in a celebration of individuality that touched my heart.

The story gracefully unfolds, following lovable forest inhabitants as they navigate the whimsical nuances of what it means to have a self. The narrative is a poetic dance of uniqueness, from the charming way each character buttons their coat to the endearing toe-tapping and everything in between. Shapiro effortlessly weaves a tale that not only embraces diversity but revels in the joy of being oneself.

The illustrations are a true work of art, bringing the forest and its inhabitants to life with vibrant colors and whimsical details. Every page is a visual feast, inviting readers to explore the intricacies of each character's self-expression. From baking cranberry-butter-pie muffins to singing silly songs at bathtime, the forest becomes a canvas of individuality, and I couldn't help but smile at the sheer charm of it all.

What sets this picture book apart is its underlying message of self-love and kindness. It gently nudges young readers to appreciate their unique qualities and extend that appreciation to the wonderful selves around them. The affirming tone of the narrative creates a joyous atmosphere, making this book not just a read but a heartwarming experience.

As I closed the book, I couldn't help but reflect on the beauty of individuality and the importance of embracing our own quirks and those of others. "My Self, Your Self" is a treasure trove of warmth, love, and the magic that happens when we celebrate the beautiful tapestry of selves that make up our world.

A really adorable, sweet book celebrating your self and the selves of others, very encouraging and and thoughtful. The art is absolutely gorgeous, and I'd love to live in this magical woodland setting! A warm hug of a book!

#NetGalley

This book is totally me.

When I saw this on netgalley, I knew I would enjoy it. MY Self, Your Self is the ultimate companion to my WIP. I have always been fascinated by our selves and how separate they are from us. This book handles it beautifully through the most stunning illustrations. It gives my thoughts a voice, a shape, and a tummy.

The writing is sweet and funny. I very much liked the color palette. Yellows and oranges and white, just like candy corn.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I am looking forward to owning it soon.

Following adorable little creatures on the discovery of finding themselves, My Self, Your Self is a wonderful book you'll wish someone has read for you when you were younger.

The concept is absolutely magical and so important. It's hard to understand what makes you unique, even as an adult. This picture book is definitely a must on your shelves and probably your children's next favorite book.

The art is so unique, probably one of the prettiest book you'll ever see. I personally went through it more than one time just to appreciate the beauty of it.

What a phenomenal find!

Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and NetGalley for this free book in return for my honest review.
A book that explains to little ones that we are all different both inside and outside, and yet we fan have fun together, cooperate and learn to live with one and all.
I do not understand the illustrations which are certainly unique but just do nothing for me.

Such a cute kids book about loving yourself and every aspect of your being! The illustrations were simply stunning and really added to the story. A book I will show my future kid for sure :)

Oh my goodness this book is just stunning. From the illustrations to the premise, it ticked every box for me.

The length is perfect that my toddlers don’t become disinterested and we’re constantly trying to get them to be kinder to themselves which they really seemed to grasp onto during this book.

12/10 if I could. Thank you so much for allowing me to read this ARC and I wish you the best of luck.

I have read a few of Esme Shapiro's books and they are delightfully cute and I love her illustrations. The style is so whimsical and fun. This is a picture book of sorts about being unique and different and how we have to love ourselves. But we also have to treat others with respect and love as well, regarless of their differences.

It is was a simplistic way to put it, but it is a kids book so younger readers will understand better. The book is great for affirmations and it captures their imagination and is told in a wonderful way for kids to learn.

I think many will come for the beauitful illustraton but many will stay for the cute lesson that so many should be learning. I think this book would be great in classrooms or with counselors, but also wonderful to have in the home as well.

The illustrations are nostalgic with neutral colors. The story is like an affirmation letting kids appreciate themselves as individuals and as members of a community.

thank you Netgalley and Penguin/Tundra Books for the advanced reader copy!

this is a great little picture book about self-awareness and the importance of self care. the messaging is so sweet because it really drives in the fact that we're all different and what makes us unique makes us special and i think all that is great for kids nowadays to hear, especially with so much of their self image coming from the screens place in front of them.

however, this read as though it's more so geared towards adults. i just don't imagine kids really reaching for this book and coming out of it stronger without a trusted adult helping them along the way (which is fine but the design and wording is a little advanced for young minds and older ones would have already moved away from the picture book format). and while it is aesthetically pleasing, the color palette doesn't invite kids to have much of an imagination.

could be a great read for kids experiencing self confidence issues. would recommend for schools, specifically health teachers or guidance counselors. other than that, i could see this being a sweet graduation gift maybe but definitely not a worthwhile day-to-day picture book.

Esme Shapiro always has art that captures the imagination, and the text in this book is so sweet and kind and just feels like a warm hug. A great read aloud, especially for the kids who might need a reminder of how special they are!

My Self, Your Self by Esmé Shapiro is an adorable, offbeat self love book that kids and adults will both love. The illustrations are drawn in muted, calming colors with rounded shapes that are very flowy and comfortable. The whole book is like a long sweet hug from a friend.

Exploring self-awareness with beginning young readers?! Genius!!

You and your young reader will first notice that absolutely original and intriguing illustrations. Like nothing I have ever seen before. Almost other worldly…. A world I would LOVE to explore and continually visit. The story is one that should be told over and over and over again – who or what is YOUR self? What makes you YOU? Self-awareness is such a valuable resource. To understand and be aware of one’s own personality and individuality is great to start building knowledge of at any age.

I love this book for early readers. I love this book for schools and counselors. I love this book for parents to help their younger children explore themselves. I love this book for the exceptionally marvelous illustrations. In essence…… I LOVE THIS BOOOK!!! (Should I use more exclamation marks to express how I feel 😊??!!!!!!!!)

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books

So this is absolutely adorable! The story, the message, the art
Perfection, Will for sure be checking out more from the author

My son and I read a copy of this book early through #netgalley and he said he enjoyed it. I liked the illustrations most. There were few colors, but they were used very well. The words were simple, but perfect for younger kids to read. The message in the book was one that I will share with my fifth graders this school year.

I adore this book the illustrations and text perfectly explain to young children the complex issue of self. I believe this is an important book to help children understand who they are and what it means to have friends. The book celebrates each character's difference and what they do to help each other in times of need. It assists young children in being able to understand and define why they might like being with one person or another and what they might need in return. It is not about material objects but being there for your friends and understanding what you have to offer them and what they can offer you. I found this book delightful and have enjoyed reading it several times.

The art in this little book is minimal but at the same time full of details that you get to find after looking at every one of these drawings.
The story is adorable and kinda wise.

Loved it!

this was a super short read but at the end of it, I was clutching my heart with the brightest smile on my face. 'My Self, Your Self' is a picture book that celebrates your self and others and finds the wonderful in the differences that makes us our own person.

the illustrations were very whimsical and the choice of colors were a bit toned done but it overall suited the mood the picture book was going for. all in all, this was a lovely short read!

My Self, Your Self is a quirky and playful exploration of identity that emphasizes the kindness we show ourselves and each other as our most valuable qualities. The detailed, fantastical illustrations are so engaging and joyful and I loved the beautiful muted color scheme.

What. Wonderful book about recognising what makes you you, celebrating this and recognising what makes others who they are to you!

This book is wonderful for exploring what self is and raising this topic with children as well as discussing the way we may have different selves but what ultimately stays the same! The illustrations are beautiful and help make the topic comprehensible to the target audience!