In today’s modern world of social media and press coverage urging everyone to try and achieve the ‘perfect’ look, it really worries me the pressure that children growing up in this environment will feel. I have always made sure to reinforce how beautifully unique and special each of my children are and urge them not to try not conform to peer pressure and embrace who they are instead. This is exactly what the book I’m discussing today has been specifically created to do by helping educate younger children to love who they are.
Blurb
As Philly looks at her reflection in the mirror, she realises that from her curly hair to her legs that love to dance, she is unique. But what makes her truly special is her good hear and curious mind.
“There is only one me!”
Review
On the surface this book is a simple story about a little girl named Philly talking about her physical attributes, from her cute button nose to her big brown eyes, however the message it offers to those reading along is much deeper.
Each page uses child-friendly descriptive words to talk about the attribute being discussed, but most importantly points out that Philly is much more than just that one particular thing. Going on it discusses how all of those individual things combine together to make you who you are and that each of us is special and unique in our own way.
Who Do I See In The Mirror? is a beautifully written story with a strong message of self-love and confidence that is a vital lesson for us to instil in every young person. Created to inspire children to wholeheartedly embrace and love everything that makes them unique, this is a book that every parent, carer and school should utilise to help us empower the upcoming generation of children.
As a parent I loved being able to share this with Leo and reiterate how special he is thanks to all of his own personal attributes. This is such a positive read which I’m sure over time will help drive home that all-important message of being comfortable in your own skin and celebrating your uniqueness.
Leo loved reading this story together and thanks to it’s simple language he was able to read lots of the words himself, making it ideal for early readers. After we had read the book a couple of times it gave us a great opportunity to discuss the idea of self-love on a level he could understand as well as the idea of accepting others for who they are regardless of any differences that may exist – such an important lesson for any child to learn at any age.
The book has been beautifully illustrated bu Irene Omiunu with bright colourful pictures that help show the happiness and positivity Philly feels whilst talking about her body – It also helps that Philly is adorably cute too! At the back of the book there is a special cut out “Awesome Award” certificate for the reader which declares them as the “most special and unique child ever!” whilst encouraging them to keep being the best and loving themselves, which makes a great keepsake and a visual reminder of how fabulous they are!
I adore this title and the strong message it is portraying for children, but even more wonderful is that for each and every copy of Who Do I See In The Mirror? that is sold a book is shipped to an underprivileged child allowing to experience that special magic a book can bring too.
About The Author
Vese Aghoghovia Aladewolu, 31, was born in Lagos, Nigeria where she lived until the age of 15, when she moved to England to study her A-Levels in Bristol and on to Imperial College London, where she graduated with a Master of Engineering degree.
Following the birth of her daughter 18 months ago, Vese began to explore her passion for building confidence in children. Vese loves writing and sees it as an avenue to uplift, encourage and challenge young people.
Her goal to empower the next generation to love and believe in themselves. This has led her to the launching of Philly & Friends, a contemporary children’s brand with the purpose of helping underprivileged children around the world. She is the founding member of the Aghoghovbia Foundation, set up to empower the girl child and Inspiring Role Models, a social enterprise dedicated to helping others achieve their dreams.
Vese lives with her husband, 18 month old and newborn baby in Essex.
Author Links: Twitter | Instagram
Who Do I See In The Mirror? is available to purchase from Amazon*
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