Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--The text is based on a song recorded by the Ghanaian rap artist MzVee called "Natural Me." A message of positivity featuring a young Black girl who loves herself, in all her naturalness. She is happy with her body, a "first-rate version of herself." She is a natural girl who realizes that she is as important inside as what she demonstrates outside. She is loving, caring, and "not perfect but perfectly me." Checo's illustrations are sharp and detailed with fine lines, elements of light, and exquisite skin tones. Her depictions of Afro-textured hair are gorgeous and flawlessly realistic. The subjects are playfully dressed with modest expressions of happiness and contentment without overstatement. The text reads a bit like song lyrics rather than a cohesive narrative, but the message resonates. VERDICT A delightfully illustrated book and welcome addition to libraries to promote positive messages of self-empowerment among girls.--Carol Connor
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Drawing inspiration from her popular song "Natural Girl," Ghanaian singer/songwriter MzVee offers an ode to self-love. "I love my hair, I love my skin. / I love the shape that I come in." Young Black girls strike dynamic poses as they joyfully proclaim, "I am a natural girl!" MzVee's simple, upbeat words brim with verve and pride, accompanied by Checo's stunning artwork, rendered in watercolor, colored pencil, and marker. The hyper-realistic details of the girls' hair will mesmerize readers. Short tight curls, locs, loose and cascading tresses, hair in Bantu knots, two-strand twists, or braids--each style shines. Butterflies, bows, and flowers are sprinkled throughout the pages, lending a whimsical and magical feel to an empowering text; Checo's use of light and shading is wonderful. Girls of various shades are depicted, including a child with albinism, one with vitiligo, and another with freckles. Laudably, the author stresses that true beauty comes from our actions: "I act with kindness and with love, / and this is what I'm most proud of." "Like a true queen, / I wear my crown / and spread my / greatness all around." The book closes with a rousing author's note: "Natural girls rule the world!" Much-needed words--and images--of affirmation. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
