Engaging images, catchy wording (especially when paired with the song) and a positive message for young minds.
Taryn Brumfitt is a best-selling author, internationally recognised keynote speaker, director of the inspiring social-change documentary Embrace, fiercely passionate thought-leader behind the body image movement, mum of three, and foundation board member for the Hutt Street Centre. It’s not surprising she decided to take her talents into the world of children’s books.
Body issues can be a tricky subject for parents to address with their children. When do you start? How do you teach them the difference between healthy and unrealistic body goals? Well, thankfully Brumfitt has made life that little bit easier. Considering primary school is often when a majority of kids are introduced to their imperfections by fellow students, Brumfitt has rightly identified that approaching the subject early is key.
The illustrations by Sinead Hanley are well thought through. With a diverse range of children depicted throughout the book, every child should feel as though they are represented and included in this important message. Illustrations are bright and positive, making for a well-rounded picture book.
Based on the hit song by the same name, the story encourages children to think about all the great things their bodies can do, and to remember that they are unique and that’s a good thing. I spoke with a Junior Primary school teacher who loved the messages throughout the book. She advised she would be pairing the book along with the song in a lesson plan for her Reception class and would encourage them to think about all the great things their bodies can do. You can take comfort in the fact that you are reading your child a teacher-approved bedtime story!
The key messages in this book have the ability to not only arm children with a positive internal dialogue when thinking about their own body. Hopefully, they will also make kid’s less inclined to find faults with other children’s bodies and possibly help end the cycle of negative body issues. Wouldn’t that be grand?
Ticking all the boxes with engaging images, catchy wording (especially when paired with the song) and a positive message for young minds, this is a great staple for any home library or lesson plan.
Reviewed by Jessica Incoll
Twitter: @littlejadventur
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: June 2020
RRP: $19.99
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