Book emphasizes self-esteem. Children will discover that everyone are good at something and that something is appreciated and valued.

Age: 3-5 Source: Pierce County Library

Nolan, Allia
What I Do Best!
Illustrated by Miki Sakamoto. 2006. 14 pp. $14.99 hc. Reader’s Digest. 978-0794411312. Ages 3-6.

Tags: children, kindergarten, picture book, talents, feelings, culturally diverse, tactile, interactive, feelings, individuality

This book celebrates the unique talents of this diverse group of school-age children. With vibrant, cartoonish illustrations that span across the entire page of each spread, each child presents what he or she is good at, such as making classmates laugh, taking care of pets, or playing basketball despite being short. Each child is smiling widely, obviously delighted to share their successes, while sharing in those of others. In addition to the short but rhyming text, each spread offers a tactile or interactive feature such as a furry cat or a spinning wheel to engage the child. This book sends an encouraging message of self-acceptance and tolerance, and ends with a picture of a trophy for the reader to personalize while celebrating his or her own talents. This eye-catching book will certainly see much use in your children’s library. ( )