I Can Do It Myself!: A Board Book

Empowerment series #2

by Stephen Krensky, Sara Gillingham (Illustrator)

Celebrate becoming more independent in I Can Do It Myself! , a charming board book from the Empowerment series!

When it’s time to get dressed,
I pick out my clothes.
If I’m feeling stuffy,
I blow my own nose.

With relevant and charming specifics, author Stephen Krensky and award-winning artist Sara Gillingham address the pride that comes with becoming just a little more independent.

The Empowerment series addresses the small victories of growing up and starting to embrace the world on your own terms with encouraging text and retro-fresh illustrations. Celebrate the milestones of toddlerhood with the whole series.

The Empowerment
I Can Do It Myself!
Now I Am Big!
I Know a Lot!
I Am So Brave!
I Like to Share!
I Am Ready for School!

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

12 pages, Board book

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The other day, my one and a half year old daughter brought me this book and asked me to read it. She's brought me books a couple other times, but this one seemed different somehow.

It had characters, and a story. She sat through the whole thing and pointed stuff out. ...Maybe it was that the story was of a little girl who was no longer a baby. Only just.

I felt like it was a milestone book, you know? So, it gets a review.

Although it's a new book, it has a vintage feel to it. The patterned pictures are great - they gave me a '70s vibe. My daughter loved pointing out the baby bird.

Well done, Mr. Krensky, Ms. Gillingham. Keep up the good work.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of concept series along with "I Know a Lot!" and "Now I Am Big!" Each page has a phrase, that is completed on next. Total text - six sentences, three rhymes. In short form it captures the progressive accomplishments of toddlerhood, ending with reading on own. I really like the graphic design illustrations reminiscent of 60s print advertising.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rhyming read about independence. Vibrant, retro illustrations show a young girl performing some of her daily tasks without any help at all.

Great read aloud! Love the artwork because it reminds me of old comic books.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's as if this book was written and drawn specifically for my 2 1/2 year old daughter, who you had better believe can do it herself.

[Tay Audiobook Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love reading this book to my children

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book about a child's growing confidence and independence! Kids will love the rhyming text (as did I), and adults will love the retro illustrations. Little littles will love the bright, primary colors, too! I'm excited to read more of the board books in this series.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to show toddlers what they can do rather than focus on what they can't yet.

[Kevin Mahoney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good goodnight read

It's a good book to read with a positive message. Not ground breaking but definitely worth it in Amazon prime.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The power and control of independence.

[Jenna Kistner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Can Do It Myself" talks about being able to experience independence in trying to do things on your own. This book is fantastic for children to learn all about trying new things.

[Daniel Barrows · Rating 2 out of 5]

Depending on the phase your child is in, you may want to encourage or discourage independence. I've waited impatiently five minutes while my daughter insisted on struggling with her car seat straps without assistance, and then months later been dismayed that she wants *me* to buckle those same straps when I know she is fully capable. I think this book is useful when read judiciously in the appropriate season.

I hate the illustration style, and would probably rate the same text much higher with different pictures.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book is rated 5/5 stars from the 10 month old who made me read it to her 5 times in a row today

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book for my daughter at 12-24 months to instil confidence in her abilities. Love the bright colours.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empowerment? Or toxic independence? Read for yourself and decide!!

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are fabulous (Now I Am Big! and I Can Do It Myself!). While they are bright and odd colors, these board books are just the right size and sit perfectly on our early readers shelf next to our I Can Read! and our Dr. Seuss Beginner Books. Simple enough sentences that AppleBlossom repeats them after me (and then again to herself in playing to read). I think as she really begins to learn to read these will fit in well as early readers. Yet even OrangeBlossom, who will turn one year old in just over a week (or at this review in July) loves these. Sturdy enough for her to play with, she often carries one around and brings it me to read. Both girls love them. There is the message learn to be a big kid with a bit more independence is fun if even a little overwhelming. Having books where we can point out all sorts of things that make this an important time in change and growth is awesome. I am truly loving the books from Abrams Appleseed and I hope they keep up this type of quality reads we're adding to our bookshelves.

*Thanks to Abrams for providing a copy for review.*

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, short book about doing things for yourself. Good for encouraging little ones to be independent.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This is a very short board book with a super color palette about doing things "myself".

Audience: This book is intended for infants and toddlers.

Appeal: The book is very short so it will definitely keep the attention of infants and toddlers. The color palette is very bright, and the drawings are pixelated somewhat similar to a comic book style, but for very young children. The message is simple, the pages are full of things a toddler can do themselves.

Implementation: This would be a good 'baby' story hour book because of its bright colors and the short length to keep attention.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retro illustrations and simple rhyming text bring to life the confidence and joy of a young child taking the very first steps to independence. The pictures are bright and cheerful with bold shapes and patterns. This is a book sure to spark discussion of all the things your child can do, and provide gentle encouragement to try something new.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, nostalgic illustrations highlight this board book's positive message.

[Carrie Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both of my kids love it! Currently they are 18 months and nearly 4. I love the illustrations, it's a win all around

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting retro illustrations.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like to do this with the preschoolers, to show that they're growing up...but it's quite short.

[Carrie Guipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My two YO loves this book. It's short and simple, but a nice, easy to understand message about independence. Illustrations are fun and vintage-y.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to share with toddlers.

[Joella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun little board book about a little one that wants to do everything herself. Cute.