Some Bodies

by Sophie Kennen, Airin O'Callaghan (Illustrator)

Overview

Our bodies! Our amazing, astounding, and all-around awesome bodies! Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and can do extraordinary things. Our bodies are uniquely our own yet they connect us to the world around us in so many ways. Through playful rhymes and colorful engaging artwork, all the things that make our bodies special—from the texture of our hair to the color of our eyes—are celebrated. This sweet and inclusive book encourages young readers to acknowledge and accept differences, and offers the perfect opportunity to open up conversations about body acceptance. Every body is different and all bodies are good. Back matter includes tips and conversation starters for parents and educators to use with children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781534111417
Publisher:	Sleeping Bear Press
Publication date:	08/15/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	159,616
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	290L (what's this?)
Age Range:	6 - 7 Years

Editorial Reviews

★ 07/01/2022

PreS-Gr 2—This book's opening pages begin immediately with a positive and all-around warm message, with its beautifully drawn pictures that celebrate all of the unique bodies of different people around the world. Everyone is accepted in this picture book, which provides a great foundation for young children who notice and inquire about differences—specifically, physical differences—in those around them. The pictures appear to have been completed with whimsical, muted watercolors. Young and old, big and small, every body is honored in this book. Among the book's many highlights is the inclusivity found in "some bodies have two feet" and "some bodies have one," as well as people who choose to "cover their bodies with clothes" or let "a lot of skin show." There is minimal writing on each page; a sentence or two drives each point home succinctly. Everyone is unique, some of us are similar to one another, and this is captured with ease. Kennen encourages loving one's own body "because your body is you and what's not to like?"—a fine message for children at every age. Included is a helpful letter for adults with tips for answering possible questions that may arise. This is the perfect introduction for body positivity and celebrating different skin colors, abilities, and appearances with poise and delicacy. VERDICT An excellent choice as a read-aloud in an elementary setting or as an independent choice for children ready to tackle simple language on their own or with a family member.—Kerra Mazzariello

School Library Journal

2022-05-25
“All bodies are good— / that’s important to know. / And yours is good too, / however you grow!”

This theme carries throughout this rhyming picture book that shows off people’s bodies in all their forms. Depicted are people who use prosthetics or wheelchairs, who have different skin tones (people with vitiligo are included, too), who wear head scarves, who use cochlear implants, who have tattoos and surgical scars (possibly indicating gender-affirmation surgery), and more. The book ends with a note to parents, caregivers, and teachers about the importance of talking about how people’s bodies look and function differently and sample questions from children (e.g., “Why is that man fat?”) and neutral, body-positive answers. This book definitely practices what it preaches. O’Callaghan’s illustrations represent body diversity and include people of various skin tones, shapes, sizes, and abilities. With warm colors and varied settings, the art is inviting and engaging. Kennen’s text offers no judgment, just simple descriptions with the mantra that “all bodies are good.” There is even additional discussion about people making some choices about how their bodies look (letting skin show, getting tattoos, wearing a wig). (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An important, affirming conversation starter about respecting—and celebrating—diverse bodies. (Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews