Preschool Book Review: I Like Myself!

*I Like Myself!* by Karen Beaumont is a colorful, joyful celebration of self-acceptance that resonates deeply with preschoolers who are just beginning to understand their own identities. During these formative years, children are constantly absorbing messages about who they are and whether they're "enough"—and this book offers a refreshing antidote to perfectionism and external validation. This playful story teaches children that being themselves—flaws, quirks, and all—is something to genuinely celebrate, making it perfect for building the kind of authentic confidence that lasts. By pairing the book with interactive activities, you're giving your child permission to love themselves exactly as they are right now.

What You'll Need

• A copy of *I Like Myself!* by Karen Beaumont (check your library first—many have it free)
• Paper and crayons, markers, or colored pencils (any colors you have at home work beautifully)
• A mirror, any size—a handheld mirror, bathroom mirror, or even the reflective surface of a window works great
• Optional: magazines or catalogs you can cut up, stickers, glue stick, and scissors (child-safe if your child is ready)
• Your own enthusiasm and positive energy—this matters more than perfect supplies
• A quiet space where your child feels relaxed and unhurried, without screen distractions nearby

How to Do It

1. Read the book aloud in a warm, animated voice, pausing frequently to show your child the vibrant illustrations. Let them point out their favorite characters, colors, and silly moments. Say things like, "Look at that big smile! What do you think the pig is so happy about?" This keeps them engaged and helps them connect emotionally to the story's message about joy and self-love.

2. Ask open-ended questions as you read, such as "Who is your favorite character and why?" and "What do you think happens next?" and "Do you feel the same way as this character?" This helps your child think critically, predict outcomes, and most importantly, see themselves reflected in the story's themes about self-acceptance.

3. Talk about what makes your child special after finishing the book, while the message is still fresh. Ask them specific questions: "What do you like about yourself? What are you really good at? What makes you giggle? Is there something kind you did today?" Listen without judgment and validate everything they share, even if it seems small or silly to adult ears.

4. Create an "I Like Myself" art project together, tailored to your child's interests and energy level. Have your child draw a picture of themselves doing something they love—playing, dancing, eating their favorite food—or create a simple collage using magazine cutouts, stickers, and drawings that represent their favorite things, people, and activities. Encourage them to use lots of color and let their creativity run wild without worrying about whether it "looks right."

5. Make it a mirror moment by having your child look in the mirror and give themselves a genuine compliment. This might feel awkward or silly at first—and that's totally normal! Model it for them first: "I like myself because I'm a good listener" or "I like my smile when I'm laughing." Then invite them to try: "Can you tell yourself something you like?" This is a powerful way to practice self-appreciation in real time and builds the neural pathways for positive self-talk.

6. Display their artwork proudly on your refrigerator, in their room, or in a special "I Like Myself" folder, and refer back to it when they need a confidence boost. On tough days, point to it and say, "Remember all these wonderful things about you? They're still true today."

7. Revisit the book multiple times over the coming weeks. Children learn through repetition, and each reading will deepen their understanding. You'll notice them remembering favorite parts and connecting the message to their own lives in new ways.

8. Extend the lesson into daily moments by naming what you observe about your child that's special: "I noticed you shared your blocks with your friend—that's kind," or "You tried that puzzle three times without giving up—that shows you're persistent." This casual, specific praise builds a much stronger sense of self-worth than generic compliments ever could.

🎓 Skills Your Child Will Develop

Self-Esteem and Body Confidence — Children learn that accepting themselves, including their unique qualities, quirks, and physical features, builds genuine confidence and happiness. This early foundation helps them develop a healthier relationship with their bodies and identities as they grow, reducing vulnerability to shame and perfectionism later on.

Emotional Vocabulary and Self-Awareness — Discussing feelings, preferences, and self-appreciation helps preschoolers expand their emotional language and understanding of their inner world. Being able to name and express emotions is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and mental health throughout life.

Creative Expression and Identity Exploration — Art activities allow children to explore who they are and what matters to them in a non-pressured, imaginative way. Creative play is how young children process experiences and solidify their sense of self.

Positive Self-Talk and Internal Validation — Practicing compliments and affirmations introduces children to the power of speaking kindly to themselves rather than relying solely on external praise. This builds intrinsic motivation and resilience that will serve them through challenges ahead.

Critical Thinking and Personal Reflection — Open-ended questions during and after the activity encourage children to think about themselves, their preferences, and their values. This reflective practice builds metacognition—the ability to think about their own thinking—which is foundational for all future learning.

Social and Emotional Connection — Sharing what they like about themselves in a family setting normalizes self-appreciation and models healthy emotional expression for children. When they see caregivers doing the same, they understand that liking yourself isn't vain—it's essential.

Tips & Variations

• For younger preschoolers (ages 2–3): Keep discussions simpler and focus on the colorful pictures and repetitive, rhythmic text rather than deep conversations about self-acceptance. The goal is exposure to the joyful message and the warm bonding time with you—understanding comes later. Try using just one craft material (crayons, not scissors) and sessions of 10–15 minutes max.

• For older preschoolers (ages 4–5): Add more complexity and choice. Let your child decide what they want to draw or create, ask them to explain their choices, and encourage them to evaluate what worked: "What do you like best about your picture? If you made it again, what would you do the same or differently?" This builds executive function and creative confidence.

• Turn it into a family tradition: Have everyone in the family share something they like about themselves at dinner once a week, modeling self-appreciation for your child and making it a normal part of your family culture. Hearing adults—especially parents—practice self-kindness is incredibly powerful.

• Create a "Compliment Jar": Write or draw pictures of compliments family members give themselves or each other, and read them aloud on days when anyone needs a boost. This creates a tangible reminder of everyone's goodness.

• Seasonal twist: In January, use this book and activity as part of New Year reflection (celebrating who you are right now, not who you need to become). In September, use it as a confidence-builder before starting preschool or a new class.

My Two Cents

This book is a gem for parents wanting to nurture healthy self-image without relying on external validation or the pressure of constant achievement. I love how it meets kids exactly where they are—celebrating the uncomplicated joy of being *you*, authentically and unapologetically. In a world that will eventually send plenty of messages about not being enough, this book and the activities around it are an investment in your child's ability to love themselves through ups and downs. Don't underestimate the power of these simple moments.

Questions to Ask Your Child

Use these open-ended prompts to extend the learning during or after the activity. There are no right or wrong answers—the goal is to keep the conversation going, model curious thinking, and give your child practice putting their experience into words.

• "What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it make you feel happy?"
• "Can you tell a stuffed animal or younger sibling what the book was about?"
• "What's something you did today that you felt proud of?"
• "How is liking yourself connected to being a good friend?"
• "If you could draw one more page for this book, what would it show?"
• "If you were the author, what would you want to tell all the kids reading this book?"

Making It a Learning Moment

Learning happens best when children feel safe enough to be wrong and when they're celebrated for