Book Review of The Only Me
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The Children’s Book Review
The Only Me
Written by Marissa Bader
Illustrated by Arlene Soto
Ages 4+ | 35 Pages
Publisher: Marissa Bader | ISBN-13: 9788985768107
What to Expect: Twins, sisterhood, self-esteem, independence, difference
In this lovely, first-person story about sisterhood, readers are encouraged to think about what it means to be yourself and value the things that make you unique – even when others can’t see past appearances.
Stella and Paige are fraternal twins—that means they are twins, even though they don’t look alike. Stella loves her sister, but she is utterly sick of everyone expecting them to be exactly the same—like they’re not separate people, even! In fact, with so many people comparing Stella to Paige, Stella can’t help comparing herself to Paige or feeling sad that she’s not the same as her sister. Then, their big brother Robbie steps in with some much-needed reminders about just how great Stella is—in ways different from her sister.
Stella’s narrative is endearingly honest, and readers can learn from observing her strategies to cope with low self-esteem and the challenges that come with other people’s assumptions. The language is simple but expressive, and textual cues such as color and size help readers pick out keywords. Bright and colorful illustrations bring the story to life and add visual cues to help readers spot and analyze differences.
The Only Me is a great way to start conversations about being yourself—for twins or any siblings!
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About the Author
Marissa Bader is a writer who specializes in topics pertaining to parenthood and mental health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Currently, she serves as the mental health writer and Twins Editor at LuciesList.com, a survival guide for new parents. Her own three daughters, twins Mila and Grace, and their big sis, Harper, were the inspiration behind her debut children’s book, The Only Me. Marissa loves witnessing their unique personalities and interests blossom and reminds them often they’re each special just as they are.
See more from Marissa at https://marissabader.com/ and follower her on Instagram at @marissabaderwriter.
About the Illustrator
Arlene Soto is a Hispanic American (yes, she’s a fluent Spanish speaker), owner, and production artist (illustrator, formatter, graphic, and web designer) of Intricate Designs, based in Denver, CO. She has an extensive background in Fine Art, an AA in Architecture (Miami Dade College), and a BFA in Sustainable Interior Design (RMCAD). Needless to say, art and design are well-engrained in her being. She is also a homeschooling mother of three feisty girls, two dogs, one chubby cat, chickens, and a bunch of plants.
She has been happily working with authors to bring their stories to life through art and design. She aims to focus her portfolio on projects that center on diversity, inclusivity, and anything that sparks curiosity. She’s intuitive and passionate about each project that comes her way and is always happy to help!
Find out more at https://intricate-designs.com.
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