Gorgeously Me!

February 1, 2024
Queer Eye hairstylist Van Ness pens an ode to self-confidence. A group of young people tackle activities both big and small, such as playing soccer or choosing an outfit for the day, with attentiveness, verve, and loving support for one another, all the while celebrating what makes each and every one of us "perfectly, happily, gorgeously" ourselves. Van Ness' uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair's exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one's feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. Children with a range of skin tones are depicted; one light-skinned child uses arm crutches. In an author's note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book's message of kindness, love, and understanding. While this look at positivity and belief in one's self might not be the most original, fans of the author's previous picture book, Peanut Goes for the Gold (2020), illustrated by Gillian Reid, or his Queer Eye castmate Karamo Brown's I Am Perfectly Designed (2019), co-written by Jason "Rachel" Brown and illustrated by Anoosha Syed, will enjoy his infectious ode to self-expression. An animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light. (Picture book. 4-7)

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March 4, 2024
“I’m perfectly, happily, gorgeously me”—the repeating sentiment empowers in Van Ness’s affirming title, which foregrounds themes of confidence and self-acceptance. Upbeat rhymes loosely partner with busy scenes of round-headed
kids putting themselves out there: singing among friends, jumping into a lake, dancing onstage, parading down the street, and more. The children, pictured with various abilities and skin tones, seem to give off the sparkly confetti present in each image as they take evident pride in their unique traits. In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self: “When I’m feeling low and like I don’t belong,/ it’s those around me who make me feel strong.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8.