Gorgeously Me!

On sale: June 4, 2024
Age: 4-8 years
Grade: Preschool - 3
Page count: 40 Pages
ISBN: 9780593622841
Reading level: Lexile: AD490L | Fountas/Pinnell: K

Jonathan Van Ness is an Emmy-nominated television personality, 2x New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and hairstylist to the stars. He stars on Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning reboot series Queer Eye, where he shines as the beauty expert and self-care advocate. In 2020, he released Peanut Goes for the Gold, a charming, funny, and heartfelt picture book that follows the adventures of Peanut, a guinea pig who does everything with their own personal flare. Van Ness is a fierce advocate for social justice and elevating queer voices and experiences. Gorgeously Me! is Van Ness's second picture book that celebrates the uniqueness in everyone. You can visit Jonathan Van Ness at JonathanVanNess.com or follow them on Instagram @JVN and on TikTok @JVN_Official

Kamala Nair is an illustrator and architect who seamlessly integrates intricate patterns, meticulous details, and vibrant colors into her artistic creations. She recently illustrated The Way Champs Play, written by renowned tennis champion Naomi Osaka. As an artist seeking pleasure through travel and immersing herself in the lives and journeys of people and cultures across the horizons, her unwavering curiosity echoes in her art. She lives in Kerala, India. Visit her online at KamalaNairArt.com and follow her on Instagram @Kamala_Nair.

Praise for Gorgeously Me!:

"Van Ness’ uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair’s exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one’s feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. In an author’s note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book’s message of kindness, love, and understanding. [An] infectious ode to self-expression [and] an animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light."
--Kirkus reviews


"I’m perfectly, happily, gorgeously me”—the repeating sentiment empowers in Van Ness’s affirming title, which foregrounds themes of confidence and self-acceptance. Upbeat rhymes loosely partner with busy scenes of round-headed kids putting themselves out there: singing among friends, jumping into a lake, dancing onstage, parading down the street, and more. The children, pictured with various abilities and skin tones, seem to give off the sparkly confetti present in each image as they take evident pride in their unique traits. In step with Nair’s sunny slice-of-life imagery, jubilant text further reinforces the power of friendship and community in supporting a strong sense of self: “When I’m feeling low and like I don’t belong,/ it’s those around me who make me feel strong.” An author’s note concludes."
--Publishers Weekly

"In a celebration of acceptance and positivity, Queer Eye’s Van Ness encourages children to support one another and appreciate who they are. Nair’s bright and expressive art includes children with different skin tones, genders, and a child who uses crutches for mobility . . . the illustrations shine, and the concept of showing characters having different emotions and still “being gorgeously me” is done well. One character, on a day when they “feel blue” and don’t want to dance, finds strength and happiness to do so when a friend joins them. This expression of anxiety before a dance performance, along with a moment of sadness over a mistake, are quickly resolved with the idea of friendship. This is a good discussion point for children in small groups, even while recognizing that emotions may not be this easily overcome all the time. Van Ness’s emphasis on self-acceptance and community combined with Nair’s sweet and exuberant art, helps this title stand out. VERDICT A fine additional selection to collections seeking books on self-acceptance."
--School Library Journal