My Self, Your Self

This is a whimsical exploration of knowing oneself, individuality and the rewards this brings. It’s narrated by a humanoid creature, the wearer of a ‘very special sprout hat’ and brown boots that introduces itself with the words, ‘I have been with my self for a very long time.’ and then goes on to ponder upon what a self actually is.

Readers are then taken through a verdant environment of plants wherein the protagonist interacts with other beings, a walking mushroom-like friend, a tall, thin flower-like maker of an abundance of delicious cranberry-butter-pie muffins, and, a snail. With each of these our narrator points out what it particularly appreciates about each one, be it nose wiggling and toe tapping or bath time songs and Shapiro illustrates the actions in small quirky vignettes or double page spreads.

The narrator then returns to a consideration of itself – an appreciator of fragrant roses, a support for a friend that is feeling sad, an understander of the importance of time alone and of the time it takes to truly know oneself. ‘And side by side, we can be ourselves together,’ it concludes – a wise comment indeed and one that may require a little unpicking for younger children.

Written in an easy conversational style and illustrated in detailed mixed media art, this is a book that affirms every person’s essential self.