Title: Fantastic You
Author: Danielle Dufayet
Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin
Age Group: 2-8
Synopsis: A positive, uplifting book that encourages self-validation and positive problem solving.
The Lowdown:
Bug told me he ate breakfast by himself at school yesterday and that sometimes he just needs some time by himself. I told him that’s fine, he is the only person he’ll be with for forever.
“You’re right Mom!” he smiled. “Because you’ll be old or dead!”
I was shocked. It was funny but also true. I want Bug to be self-reliant and confident. And as much as we want to be the ones that kids turn to when they’re hurt or upset, the true strength that we can teach them is learning how to deal with conflict on their own. Whether that’s from feelings and emotions or something more confrontational.
Fantastic You isn’t a story exactly but rather a fluid description of potential situations which we all find ourselves in, at one point or another. It discusses these concepts in a way that speaks to kids directly. The book is written in first person which gives its message an extra burst of potency. And those messages are all positive, giving suggestions of what to do verses what not to do. It’s a powerful combination that leaves readers imbued with a sense of potential success that is easily within reach.
The illustrations are just as wonderful. They’re a brilliant display of diversity and emotions, focusing on four children specifically who each make appearances throughout the book. The kids are relatable and none of them are put into the typical boxes that children often end up in (girls baking, boys playing sports, etc.). They all are also shown struggling and succeeding at positively channelling their emotions. The colors are potent and make it attractive to children without falling into the category of garish.
The entirety book also possess this soft, blended, dream-like quality. It allows the reader to view the story as an extension of their own thoughts. This is especially true as the last page of the story breaks out of the first person narrative and addresses the reader directly. It poses a question that encourages an extended conversation beyond the book and makes the story the spring board that it’s intended to be.
To take this even further the final section of the book is a note to parents from Julia Burch PhD a children’s behavioral psychologist. She provides tips and hints about dealing with the specific situations discussed. Priceless!
Story Tips:
- This is a great basic handbook for dealing with the different situations that we all face. Try some role-playing and use the phrases provided by the book or even encourage your kids to come up with their own.
I need more!
Danielle Dufayet and Jennifer Zivoin also collaborated on You Are Strong which focuses on developing inner strength. Check out more from: https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B249
Magination Press is a book imprint fo the American Psycholical Association specailizing in books that speak specifically to promoting health emotional and psychological books for kids. Find out more at: https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/
I received this book for review from Magination Press but all thoughts and views are my own.
