These ABCs Belong to Me!

by Alicia McKenzie, Sarah Demonteverde (Illustrator)

Overview

A joyful ABC picture book that helps kids reclaim the words used to describe them—transforming labels into superpowers and building confidence one letter at a time.

When others use words to define us, they’re not always kind. These ABCs Belong to Me! flips the script, inviting children to see traits like “Bossy,” “Quiet,” and “Picky” as personal strengths. From “Ambitious” means chasing big dreams to “Zany” means bursting with creativity, each page celebrates what makes us unique.

Here’s what makes These ABCs Belong to Me! shine:

• Turns Labels into Strengths: Shows how being “bossy” means taking charge, “quiet” means loving peace, and “picky” means knowing what’s best.

• Empowers Kids’ Self-Image: Helps children build resilience and pride in who they are—perfect for nurturing emotional intelligence.

• Inclusive & Vibrant: Written from a child’s perspective, free of gender pronouns, so every kid can see themselves in these pages.

• Playful, Uplifting Art: Filled with colorful illustrations that celebrate individuality and spark joyful conversations.

These ABCs Belong to Me! is more than an alphabet book—it’s a heartwarming guide to self-love and a reminder that the stories we tell ourselves are the most powerful of all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781685557997
Publisher:	The Collective Book Studio
Publication date:	09/30/2025
Pages:	40
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD520L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alicia McKenzie is a true Renaissance woman—a former USAW and CrossFit athlete, health and wellness coach, author, real estate investor, and the proud mother of five. After concluding her competitive athletic career, she turned to real estate investing and health and wellness coaching, with a focus on incorporating evidence-based holistic health practices into the lives of adults and children. Drawing from her real-life experiences as a biracial woman juggling parenting, marriage, and business, Alicia imparts insights on developing healthy habits through her blog, LiftLikeAMother, and her podcast, "Married to the Start-up." She explores ways to reinterpret commonly misunderstood defining words, aiming to reshape both your and your child’s mindset to embrace them positively. Alicia resides in McLean, Virginia, with her husband George, their children Ava, Makayla, Maddox, Maverick, and Maya, and their dogs Huck and Olive.

Sarah Demonteverde is a Filipino American illustrator and designer living in sunny southern California. Combining her love for the vividness of life and the things that make us unique, she enjoys illustrating scenes of nature, culture, history, and other enjoyable subject matter. She has illustrated several books including My Name Is Cool, You're More Than a Sprout, and A Child's Introduction to Asian American and Pacific Islander History. Sarah is an avid plant collector who enjoys gardening with her family, hiking, dancing, and trying all the diverse food and coffee shops LA has to offer.

Editorial Reviews

"These ABCs Belong to Me! takes everyday words kids are often labeled with, like “bossy,” “picky,” or “lazy,” and turns them into something powerful and positive. With each letter, this empowering book helps kids rethink how they see themselves and others. A must-have for building positive self-talk and nurturing emotional growth."

Fran Hauser