Just Because I Am: A Child's Book of Affirmation

by Lauren Murphy Payne, Melissa Iwai (Illustrator)

Overview

Young children need support and encouragement as they learn to value themselves and recognize their own worth—“not because of the things I do, not because of what I look like, not because of what I have . . . just because I am.” This book of sweet, simple affirmations for children helps them respect their bodies, acknowledge their own needs, and name their feelings. Just Because I Am invites little ones to love, accept, and feel good about themselves exactly as they are. A special section for parents, teachers, and caregivers includes activities and discussion questions to use with children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631980527
Publisher:	Free Spirit Publishing
Publication date:	08/15/2015
Edition description:	Second Edition, Revised, Special section for adults includes activities and discussion questions to use with children.
Pages:	36
Sales rank:	254,178
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.10(d)
Lexile:	AD330L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

About the Author

Lauren Murphy Payne, MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice with 30 years of experience. She specializes in the treatment of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Lauren has been a speaker at local, regional, and national conferences. She is the author and presenter of two video series: Making Anger Work for You and Anger as a Fear Driven Emotion.

She is the mother of two adult children and lives in Wisconsin with her husband.

Melissa Iwai received her BFA in illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and has illustrated many picture books.

Editorial Reviews

"This gentle and supportive approach validates children's feelings and emphasizes that they are in charge of their bodies and emotions."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

12/01/2015
PreS-Gr 1—These welcome additions highlight interpersonal issues. We Can Get Along tackles conflict, while Just Because I Am takes on emotional awareness and bodily autonomy. The language is simple and straightforward but elegant. We Can Get Along opens, "I know lots of people at school, in my neighborhood, and on the playground. Sometimes we get along…." The facing page continues, "And sometimes we don't." Each recto is in full color and depicts a diverse group of children interacting, while each verso features white-lined drawings on a solid color background of a child engaged in an activity that represents the relevant feeling or idea. At the back is an extensive list of follow-up activities, discussion starters, and suggestions for helping children deal with all the emotions and interactions they encounter in their daily lives. This gentle and supportive approach validates children's feelings and emphasizes that they are in charge of their bodies and emotions. VERDICT Solid options for encouraging emotional and interpersonal awareness in young children.—Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

School Library Journal