• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k
• Reading age: 3 to 5

"I'm still learning to love myself, but it's okay. I know I can always keep trying."

Even an ordinary day is full of little challenges, especially when you're a kid. Like when you're learning to ride a bike and you still need training wheels...so the other kids ride past you. Or when you jump in a mud puddle...but you fall in and get your pants wet. Luckily you can learn to be kind to yourself with a bit of practice.

In this sweet picture book we accompany a child through their day, from morning to bedtime, as their inner self—portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature—supports them in their endeavors. Some are harder than others, but the positive message of the text highlights how you can love yourself through big feelings, try something different, say no, and so much more.

Wai Mei Wong is a former Early Childhood Educator. Her previously authored works include: Hello, Dark (Pajama Press, 2021), shortlisted for the 2022 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, and chosen as a 2022 CCBC Spring Best Book for Kids & Teens; I Love Myself (Orca Book Publishers, 2024), featured in a 2024 CBC Kids Book Club TV segment, and chosen for the 2024 Telling Tales Festival and the Inclusive Tales project. Wai Mei Wong lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Wai Mei Wong's profile page

Julia Vasileva is a Vancouver, British Columbia–based children's book illustrator whose books include Agent Pangolin and How the Faeries Dance. From an early age she had a voracious love of books and stories, which led to her getting a literature degree. After she immigrated to Canada in 2014, she found herself creating books instead of studying them. Her style combines traditional and digital techniques to build imaginative worlds for children to dive into.

Julia Vasileva's profile page

“A solid starting place to spark conversations about self-acceptance and one’s inner self.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A young child finds ways to keep loving themself through all types of circumstances…Parents and their young children will enjoy sharing this book with its gentle reminders about loving yourself and persevering in achieving goals.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Models self-love through affirmations…Other instances express warm appreciation for self and life…Cuddly and reassuring.”

Publishers Weekly

“Showcases the simple, everyday opportunities a child can encounter to reinforce positive thoughts and self-love…The repetition reminds readers that self-love is a mindset to be continuously practiced and repeated.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“This lovely children’s book leaves the narrative open for the reader and lots of room for discussion with a child on how to find the good in the different activities they do every day, to find joy in being by themselves and to be happy and even proud [of their accomplishments]...children will find I Love Myself motivating, and parents and teachers can use each page to open dialogue. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials