I am Strong Just Being Me

The lyrical text from poet Laura Dockrill and the vibrant warm illustrations work together to make an inspiring and joyous picture book, which actually does some real heavy lifting in terms of the emotional and social development conversations that it is likely to inspire. Our non-gender specific and eminently relatable character, Bean, is pondering what it means to be strong and if that is something they have to be? Very wisely he takes his questions to Nanna, who has a lovely collaborative and respectful attitude to discussions with Bean, and this is such a charming depiction of a close intergenerational relationship. She offers her opinions and asks what Bean thinks. Her affirmative statements are very much focused on the importance of love and showing we care, which is perhaps the exact opposite of stereotypical views of strength. She shows the strength involved in speaking up when needed, being able to ask for help, admitting when something hurts, struggling and making mistakes, admitting being wrong and being able to say sorry and to forgive. A real strength of the illustrations which frame the story are the reflections of strength in nature and the delightful endpapers which showcase wildflowers and the characteristics they are said to represent are a lovely bonus element of this valuable and enjoyable text. Its empowering message of self-acceptance, that each child is enough just as they are, will boost resilience and empathy in its audience.