Book Review of I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care
The Children’s Book Review
I’m Grateful Because I Am: Mindful & Appreciating Everyday Moments
Written and Illustrated by Azizi Tuere
Ages: 4+ | 36 Pages
Publisher: Let Your Light Shine Press (2024) | ISBN-13: 9781961745223
In an era when mindfulness and emotional intelligence are increasingly vital skills for children, Azizi Tuere’s I’m Grateful Because I Am is a welcome guide to helping young readers discover the joy of appreciation in their daily lives.
The latest addition to the “Because I Am” series follows a young protagonist exploring the meaning of gratitude through everyday experiences. From sharing meals with family to observing seasonal changes in nature, the narrative weaves together simple moments with opportunities for reflection. Interactive prompts and gentle affirmations like “I am grateful because I am loved” encourage children to connect personally with the concept of thankfulness while guiding questions help them explore their own experiences with gratitude.
Tuere’s writing strikes an impressive balance between accessibility and depth, delivering an authentic social-emotional learning opportunity that captivates children and adults alike. Never falling into the trap of being overly didactic, the language remains consistently engaging for the target age group of 3-7 years while offering layers of meaning that can spark noteworthy discussions with older children. Digital illustrations complement the text beautifully, with bright, angelic qualities that create a warm, inviting visual experience essential for contemplating gratitude.
I’m Grateful Because I Am is a thoughtfully crafted picture book recommended for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking to nurture emotional awareness and appreciation in young children—its versatility makes it equally valuable as a bedtime story, classroom resource, or tool for family discussions about mindfulness and gratitude.
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About the Creator
Azizi Tuere, a lifelong storyteller, was inspired to pursue her dream of writing children’s books by her twelve-year-old daughter’s publishing venture. Her picture book series like, “Because I Am…” seeks to help families grow closer and build children’s self-worth through heartwarming stories.
As a homeschool mom of two young daughters, Azizi creates entertaining tales about everyday experiences that incorporate emotional intelligence. She aims to share positive messages with kids about their inner beauty, creativity, gratitude, and what it means to win at life.
When not writing, Azizi hosts “Tiny Green Chef,” an online plant-based cooking program for kids. This initiative, like her books, provides families with practical resources to thrive together naturally. She is also a Parent Leadership coach for families looking to create homes where everyone grows, contributes, and flourishes.
Follow Azizi to stay informed about upcoming books: https://www.azizituere.com/
