A colorful cadre of cheerful, (many) potato-shaped monsters bring enthusiastic instructions and affirmations for body care and love in the cartoonish picture book It's My Body: A Book About Body Positivity by Elise Gravel (This Is My Brain!).
The text opens with the assured statement, "There are ALL KINDS of bodies," explaining that bodies have different shapes, skin colors, hair types, and abilities. The illustrations add emphasis through a variety of tube-, blob-, and kidney-shaped beings, including a few who use vision, hearing, or mobility aids. "Your body is your BEST FRIEND," the narrator asserts alongside an image of a gray monster with perked ears hugging their own body. The creatures demonstrate self-care activities and model consent conversations about hugging. "Hugs are best when everybody wants them," the text advises as four stubby-armed monsters squeeze into a group hug. The conclusion reiterates that bodies deserve respect and appreciation for all they do; a yellow-spotted blue monster thanks its body and says, "Without you, I would be a NO-BODY!" The narrator encourages readers to hug themselves--"but only if you want to!"
Gravel perfectly simplifies and summarizes the basics of living in a body for young readers learning to understand and appreciate their physical selves. The frank, positive wording leaves no room to doubt the usefulness and rightness of one's physical being. Gravett illustrates the monsters in a simple style and autumnal palette, and they feel relaxed and friendly, like they would make wonderful companions for discussions around hygiene, nutrition, and body positivity. --Jaclyn Fulwood, youth services manager, Allen County Public Library