Gorgeously Me!

by Jonathan Van Ness, Kamala Nair (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

An ode to self-love, this is an accessible and heart-warming story built on a universal theme that kids can't get enough of.

"An animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light." —Kirkus reviews


A celebration of all the things that make you extraordinary, unique, and gorgeously YOU, by Jonathan Van Ness, New York Times bestselling author and star of the Netflix hit show Queer Eye.

I won't be afraid to stand out
or show the world what I'm all about.
I am exactly who I'm meant to be.
Perfectly, happily, gorgeously me!

Being true to yourself and showing the world who you are isn't always easy. Gorgeously Me assures young readers that they are loved and cherished, exactly as they are. A joyous, lyrical ode of pride and self love and a celebration of all of the things that make us exceptional. Perfect for fans of I Am Enough by Grace Byers and The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines.

Praise for Gorgeously Me!:

"Fans of Van Ness's previous picture book will enjoy this infectious ode to self-expression." —Kirkus reviews

"In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self." —Publishers Weekly

"A celebration of acceptance and positivity." —School Library Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593622841
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	06/04/2024
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	54,542
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD490L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the beauty expert and self-care advocate. In 2020, he released Peanut Goes for the Gold, a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare. Van Ness is a fierce advocate for social justice and elevating queer voices and experiences. Gorgeously Me! is Van Ness's second picture book that celebrates the uniqueness in everyone. You can visit Jonathan Van Ness at JonathanVanNess.com or follow them on Instagram @JVN and on TikTok @JVN_Official

Kamala Nair is an illustrator and architect who seamlessly integrates intricate patterns, meticulous details, and vibrant colors into her artistic creations. She recently illustrated The Way Champs Play, written by renowned tennis champion Naomi Osaka. As an artist seeking pleasure through travel and immersing herself in the lives and journeys of people and cultures across the horizons, her unwavering curiosity echoes in her art. She lives in Kerala, India. Visit her online at KamalaNairArt.com and follow her on Instagram @Kamala_Nair.

Editorial Reviews

03/04/2024

“I’m perfectly, happily, gorgeously me”—the repeating sentiment empowers in Van Ness’s affirming title, which foregrounds themes of confidence and self-acceptance. Upbeat rhymes loosely partner with busy scenes of round-headed kids putting themselves out there: singing among friends, jumping into a lake, dancing onstage, parading down the street, and more. The children, pictured with various abilities and skin tones, seem to give off the sparkly confetti present in each image as they take evident pride in their unique traits. In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self: “When I’m feeling low and like I don’t belong,/ it’s those around me who make me feel strong.” An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Praise for Gorgeously Me!:

"Van Ness’ uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair’s exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one’s feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. In an author’s note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book’s message of kindness, love, and understanding. [An] infectious ode to self-expression [and] an animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light."
—Kirkus reviews


"I’m perfectly, happily, gorgeously me”—the repeating sentiment empowers in Van Ness’s affirming title, which foregrounds themes of confidence and self-acceptance. Upbeat rhymes loosely partner with busy scenes of round-headed kids putting themselves out there: singing among friends, jumping into a lake, dancing onstage, parading down the street, and more. The children, pictured with various abilities and skin tones, seem to give off the sparkly confetti present in each image as they take evident pride in their unique traits. In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self: “When I’m feeling low and like I don’t belong,/ it’s those around me who make me feel strong.” An author’s note concludes."
—Publishers Weekly

"In a celebration of acceptance and positivity, Queer Eye’s Van Ness encourages children to support one another and appreciate who they are. Nair’s bright and expressive art includes children with different skin tones, genders, and a child who uses crutches for mobility . . . the illustrations shine, and the concept of showing characters having different emotions and still “being gorgeously me” is done well. One character, on a day when they “feel blue” and don’t want to dance, finds strength and happiness to do so when a friend joins them. This expression of anxiety before a dance performance, along with a moment of sadness over a mistake, are quickly resolved with the idea of friendship. This is a good discussion point for children in small groups, even while recognizing that emotions may not be this easily overcome all the time. Van Ness’s emphasis on self-acceptance and community combined with Nair’s sweet and exuberant art, helps this title stand out. VERDICT A fine additional selection to collections seeking books on self-acceptance."
—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

2024-01-05
Queer Eye hairstylist Van Ness pens an ode to self-confidence.

A group of young people tackle activities both big and small, such as playing soccer or choosing an outfit for the day, with attentiveness, verve, and loving support for one another, all the while celebrating what makes each and every one of us “perfectly, happily, gorgeously” ourselves. Van Ness’ uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair’s exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one’s feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. Children with a range of skin tones are depicted; one light-skinned child uses arm crutches. In an author’s note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book’s message of kindness, love, and understanding. While this look at positivity and belief in one’s self might not be the most original, fans of the author’s previous picture book, Peanut Goes for the Gold (2020), illustrated by Gillian Reid, or his Queer Eye castmate Karamo Brown’s I Am Perfectly Designed (2019), co-written by Jason “Rachel” Brown and illustrated by Anoosha Syed, will enjoy his infectious ode to self-expression.

An animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews