Be You

What the Story is About

Be You is a gentle invitation to children to discover and celebrate who they are—just as they are. Each page offers a different message: Be curious. Be brave. Be kind. Be your own thinker. Be persistent. Be okay with being alone.

The language is simple yet powerful, and the illustrations are bright and affirming. This is not a story in the traditional sense but more of a love letter—a letter that reminds every child (and every adult who reads it) that being fully yourself is not just okay; it's something to be proud of.

Why This Book Matters

In classrooms where children still figure out who they are and how they fit in, Be You is like a small light that whispers, "You matter."

It's also a wonderful way to open conversations about feelings of doubt, the pressure to "fit in," or the joy of discovering one's voice. The book's affirmations can become classroom anchors—phrases to return to again and again when a child needs reassurance or inspiration.

Themes You Can Explore

• Being true to yourself, even if others are different

• Valuing what makes each of us unique

• The strength in kindness and listening

• Learning to enjoy your own company

• Trying, failing, and trying again

About the Illustrations

Reynolds' signature watercolour-and-ink illustrations are expressive and emotionally rich without being overwhelming. Children will notice the warmth on each page—the stars, the flowers, and the moon's quiet companionship.

A lovely visual detail is how each character, though simple in line, carries a different colour or accessory—visually reinforcing that no two people are precisely the same, and that's a good thing.

Deeper Reflections for the Teacher

This book can become a mirror or a window. For some children, it will reflect what they already feel. For others, it may open up new ways of thinking about who they are allowed to be.

It's important to pause during reading—not rush through each page—and let children consider what each phrase might mean in their world. If we listen closely, their reflections might surprise us.

This book can also be a soft opening to conversations about differences, self-expression, and loneliness.

The thing about self-concept

A healthy self-concept is like an inner compass—it helps children feel grounded in who they are, even when the world feels uncertain. Without it, they may second-guess themselves, seek constant approval, or struggle to express their needs and feelings.

Be You offers something quietly powerful in this realm. It gives children permission to notice, name, and celebrate who they are—on their own terms. It doesn’t tell them who to be. It simply tells them: “You already are. And that’s enough.”

Reflective Questions for Children

• (For ages 5–7)

• What does "Be you" mean to you?

• Can you think of something that makes you special?

• Is there a time you felt brave, even if you were scared—to be yourself?

• (For ages 8–9)

  • Which line in the book felt most true for you?

  • Do you sometimes feel pressure to act like someone else? What helps you stay true to yourself?

  • Is it hard or easy to be kind when others are not? Why?

Activities to Try

1. "Be Me" Collage

Let each child create a poster with drawings, words, or pictures that show who they are—what they love, feel, and dream of. Encourage variety—"There's no right way to be you."

2. "Affirmation Chain"

Use paper strips to write affirmations inspired by the book, such as "Be Curious, Be Kind," etc. Link them together to form a classroom chain that grows weekly with new affirmations children create.

3. Circle Time Sharing

Start a weekly "Be You" circle, where children can share something small about their week that made them feel proud of themselves.

4. Letter to Self

Older children (8+) can write a letter to their future self with kind reminders: "Don't forget to keep being brave" or "Keep drawing, even if others don't get it."

A Note for the Teacher

This book works best when it is not read in a hurry. Some teachers have read one page daily as a gentle morning ritual, letting each message sink in. Others read the whole book at once, then revisit its pages as part of reflective conversations. Both approaches can work beautifully.

This book can become a steady companion in communities where children may not often hear affirming messages. And perhaps, reading Be You aloud is also a way of telling your students:

"I see you. You're enough. Just as you are."