Fantastic You
Danielle Dufayet, Author
Jennifer Zivoin, Illustrator
Magination Press, Fiction, Sep. 3, 2019
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Emotional development, Making mistakes, Self-esteem, Love, Kindness
Opening: There’s one special person I’m alsways with…can you guess who?
Bookjacket Synopsis: There is one special person you get to spend your whole life with: You! So go ahead, cheer yourself on! Shine Bright! You are the best person to take care of yourself. When you show yourself love and kindness, the world will smile back at you — fantastic you!
Why I love this book:
Danielle Dufayet has written an inspiring and beautiful concept book that teaches children how to create a loving relationship with themselves. The narrative reminds me of a self-nurturing pep talk. Each page nudges readers to be loving, kind, and positive towards themselves. “Hello, Awesome!” And making mistakes is also part of learning and a time to take special care. “If I mess up, I say sorry. I do what I can to help make things right, even if it’s an accident. Then I remember to forgive myself.” Every page energizes readers with a special nugget of self awareness and wisdom that children will easily grasp..
This book is brilliant and I love it’s simplicity. Adults will enjoy reading it with their children. It is a gentle reminder to take care of ourselves first, because we have a lifetime relationship with ourselves.
I wish you could see the actual book cover. It has a shimmer to it and is gorgeous! Jennifer Zivoin’s illustrations convey the Dufayet’s upbeat narrative and shows a variety of emotions as children try to be their best self. They are beautiful.
Fantastic You is perfect for all children, ranging from pre-K to elementary — and adults. I recommend the book for every home and school. This is a perfect gift book!
Resources: There is a special Note to Parents and Caregives by Julia Martin Burch, PhD, with more information about to help children cope with big emotions, self-soothe, and use helpful self-talk, like “I can do this.”
Danielle Dufayet is the author of another favorite book, You Are Your Strong. She also teaches English and public speaking/self-empowerment classes for kids. She lives in San Jose, California. Visit Danielle at her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy from publisher.
The sooner children learn this concept, the better their lives will be. A great book!
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I agree with you. I wish I had thought more about topics like this when I was parenting!
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I’ve heard it said that one can’t love others until they first love, or learn to love, themselves. What an amazing topic to cover in a picture book. Thank you for sharing it today.
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Yes, I do love the comment you shared. We have to be in a good relationship with ourselves first. I learned it as an adult. Love it that publishers are releasing books that can be used with children! Happy Easter!
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I love the cover. It pulled me right in. I will also have to tell my school guidance counselor about this one. It sounds excellent. Thanks for sharing!
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You should see the real cover — it sparkles! Yes, this book belongs in classrooms and homes.
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This sounds like a perfect book for kids, and adults, of all ages! I love the bright & engaging cover!
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Yes, I think so too! Sometimes parents need reminders. What a great topic to explore as a family or as a classroom! Happy Easter.
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What a great second book by this author! Self love is such an important life skill. Thanks for featuring this book, Patricia!
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Yes, it is a wonderful companion book to her first book! I will be giving this book as a gift book!
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What a great idea for a children’s book. I have a niece who would dive right in, and I’m sure she would enjoy every page. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful title.
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You are welcome. Dufayet has now written two very powerful books for children — and they are wonderful companion books. I think your niece would love Fantastic You! Happy Easter!
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What an important concept to teach children! To have a positive self-image is extremely important and learning to forgive themselves when they make mistakes will help children develop that positive self-image.
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I am so pleased you enjoye the book! I love to review such inspiring gems like this one!
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This sounds wonderful for learning more about self-love. It would pair well with A Boy Like You by Frank Murphy (A Girl like you is coming soon.
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Thank you for the recommendation! It will also pair well with Dufayet’s first book, You Are Your Strong. Happy Easter!
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This is such a fun book. I like that the kids from Danielle’s first book “You Are Your Strong” make a return here. Especially the girl with the tutu & cowboy boots! Both of these books would pair well with Pat Zietlow Miller’s BE BRAVE. Great review, thanks.
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Thank you for pointing out return characters from “You Are Strong.” I donated the first book, so I did not remember the repeat characters. And, thank you for recommendation to pairing with “Be Brave.”
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I love the title and the cover, Patricia. This book looks gorgeous!
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It is a unique offering. I really enjoy this author’s empowering books!
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That’s a great recommendation.
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It’s a delightfully empowering book with Danielle’s lovely writing and Jennifer’s happy art!
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Yes, I agree. It’s the perfect gift book because of its message and happy art!
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