It's My Body, by Elise Gravel. North Winds Press, Scholastic, 2022. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Your body will be with you
your whole life. 

It allows you to explore the 
world 

in many different ways!"

Elise Gravel has a way with kids, quirky monsters, and writing books that appeal to her readers with pertinent and thoughtful text. In recent books she has helped kids understand that our differences are not the most important thing about us; in fact, they are really more alike than they are different. In this new book, she encourages further respect by talking to them about body image and the need to appreciate the body they have as their own, and belonging to no other person. 

Only by loving and paying attention to that body do we learn to be who we are meant to be. The fact that a body may differ in shape, color, and what it can do is what makes each child special. Her artwork is filled, on every page, with shapes that do not look like a person. Nonetheless, they come in every kind of shape, in every color imaginable, in all hair colors, and in many sizes - just as people do. Their bodies have some resemblance to the people that are found in every walk of life, of every ability, and who share both good and bad days. 

"No matter what body you have, 
how you feel inside it and what 
you can do with it ... 

Your body is your 
BEST FRIEND." 

What bodies do for each monster here portrayed is remarkable. The most important thing to remember is that the body belongs only to the one who lives in it ... and it deserves full respect and care. Amen!