Review by Booklist Review
PreS^-K. A little, redheaded girl romps through this book delighting in herself: she's a star, and she knows it. Her vivacity and self-confidence are apparent from the start, when she revels at her reflection in a mirror ("Nobody has my singular nose / Nobody taps on my ten toes"), to the end, when she dances with flowers in her hair, singing, "I'm the pearl in the oyster, the A to the Z / I'm the one, the only, incredible ME!" Karas imbues his cartoon-style illustrations with the energy of the very young, and together writer and artist show how much fun it is to watch a child discover herself. --Kathy Broderick
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A girl exhibits healthy self-esteem in Appelt's (Bats Around the Clock) celebratory ode. "Nobody whistles the way I do/ Nobody chews the way I chew/ I'm the cat's meow,/ I'm the dog's top flea/ I'm the one, the only,/ most marvelous me!" she shouts. Drawn with colored pencil, the pint-size heroine, whose curly orange hair sprouts in pigtails from either side of her head, bounds from spread to spread, in Karas's (Princess Fishtail) colorful multimedia illustrations, accented throughout with bold, patterned papers. Dominated by the windows of high-rise buildings, for example, the center spread suggests the anonymity of urban living. But the girl in the corner won't be ignored. "Nobody's cowlick stands up like mine/ Nobody's freckles are this divine," she announces from an open window; the text, in large print, rings the edge of an enormous speech bubble. Karas's depiction of the carefree narrator ensures that playfulness takes precedence over arrogance and, thanks to his varied compositions, the text's pattern never grows tired. This exuberant ego booster is bound to make youngsters smile and, perhaps, take inventory of all the things that make them incredible, too. Ages 3-6. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-K-Bouncy rhymes and energetic illustrations combine to create an ode to individuality. Appelt's brief text catalogs the special qualities of a perky child, while Karas's colorful, contemporary artwork shows her, her teddy, and her doll engaged in a variety of real and imagined activities. Some listeners may be turned off by this confident girl's relentless self-praise, but many will appreciate her obvious pride and enjoyment in herself. And whether the message appeals or not, there's no denying that it's packaged perfectly. The catchy, creative text begins with a focus on basic body parts ("Nobody has my singular nose/Nobody tips on my ten toes") and continues as the unnamed narrator lists numerous other unique (yet universal) traits before declaring, "I'm the pearl in the oyster, the A to the Z/I'm the one, the only, incredible Me!" The playful use of language keeps the tone light. The illustrations are buoyant and playful as well, as the girl with carrot-colored hair dances her way through cozy interiors and imaginary outdoor scenes. Occasionally, patterns and textures give the crisp illustrations the look of a collage; the overall design is delightfully simple and focused on the narrator. The ongoing demand for books intended to boost children's self-esteem will make this title a useful addition.-Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A little girl spends the length of this book telling us what makes her unique (Nobody's cowlick stands up like mine / Nobody's freckles are this divine, etc.). That the upbeat rhymes don't grow tiresome should be credited to Appelt's resourcefulness and to Karas's jubilant images of a redhead with cyclone pigtails striking Broadway-musical poses as she sings her own praises. From HORN BOOK Fall 2003, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A rosy-cheeked, pig-tailed toddler touts all things wonderful about herself. Exhibiting the unabashed braggadocio that is the trademark of small fry, a young girl proudly preens as she describes the myriad amazing qualities that make her unique. From her pert nose to her tippy toes, the little girl lauds everything from her physical attributes to metaphysical ponderings. Appelt's (The Alley Cat's Meow, p. 1301, etc.) light-hearted rhymes keenly hone in on all the characteristics fellow tots would find noteworthy. "Nobody's cowlick stands up like mine / Nobody's freckles are this divine." With plenty of artistic license, Appelt gives a new spin on some old adages, which always culminate in joyous self-affirmation. "I'm the cream in the butter, / I'm the salt in the sea / I'm the one, the only, spectacular me!" Karas's (Princess Fishtail, p. 1229, etc.) quirky illustrations are a happy continuation of the text. Bright hues and over-the-top drawings mirror the lively energy of the saucy verses. With a hearty serving of high-spirited fun, Appelt's joyful tale underscores the message that there is something wonderful to cherish in everyone. In a class by herself, but sure to start a contest. (Picture book. 3-6)
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
