What Are You, Lou?

by Danielle Herzog, Jestenia Southerland (Illustrator)

Your identity is more than just one word or label. When Lou, a fluffy-tailed, giant-eared, colorful animal, is asked by the other animals to define himself, he isn't able to give a one-word answer. Lou isn't a lemur. Or a snake. Or an armadillo. Lonely and confused, Lou runs away from that dreaded, repetitive "What are you, Lou?" But when his atypical traits save him during a frightening encounter in the jungle, Lou realizes he doesn't need to fit into one box. He's Lou, and that's what matters most. Inclusive and affirming, What Are You, Lou? champions diverse identities and encourages readers to embrace the unique mark they leave on the world. Lou's journey to self-acceptance will resonate with readers whose identities lie outside of society's supposed norms. This book celebrates standing out in a world that is constantly trying to box us in. Backmatter from an established writer and school counselor provides resources for navigating questions of identity with the child in your life.

Genres: Picture Books

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think everyone has felt like they don't belong in a certain situation or just feel like they don't fit in. This book about a creature named Lou talks about these feelings in a very approachable way. Several animals ask what Lou is because Lou doesn't look like any of the other creatures. Lou became sad and ran away from all the questions. In Lou's time alone, he realizes that all his parts play a special role to protect or help him. Lou is unique and that is a good thing. He gains the confidence to just be Lou. While confidence and acceptance isn't that easy to learn, this book will help kids see that we are all unique and that is a good thing.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming here on the back of this author's very successful middle-grade debut, I found a woke but still very decent picture book, of a critter in the jungle that seems not to fit in. When the lemur, snake, anteater and armadillo ask Lou what he is, and Lou doesn't know, he's judged for not having this, not having that characteristic, and not fitting this that or the other category. He has to literally go away and find himself, to work out that what he has are copious positives and not just a lack of what makes the other animals what they are. It's an enjoyable lesson, delivered well, and makes two successes from two for this author.

[Gail Wygant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are you, Lou? Is a charming and empowering story of embracing our uniqueness. Lou learns to block the outside voices causing him anxiety and listen to his true inner voice. A wonderful lesson for all ages to share.

[Jaimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this one at our house! The story was very sweet with a message of celebrating what makes you, you! We thought the illustrations were lovely, we all wished we could know Lou!

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the art in this (mostly), but the writing, in my opinion, was not very good and felt awkward and stilted.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital advance copy courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss
Lou is an unusual looking animal and the other animals ask "What are you?" Lou doesn't like the question, it makes him feel like an outsider. The author shows how identity is more than one label and how asking can make a person uncomfortable.

[Beth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Labels are a tough thing for anyone but especially for Lou. Lou is an adorable animal who finds himself in a little bit of an identity crisis when all of the other forest animals question who he is. He starts to question his value and worth until he realizes just how great it is to be exactly who he is.

Author Danielle Herzog has written a delightful story for children (and let’s be honest – adults will enjoy it as well) that shares in a special way how important it is to embrace individuality and uniqueness. I think children will identify with Lou and love what Lou discovers to be true. Everyone has worth no matter what they look like and self- acceptance is one of the most important things that anyone can learn at any age.

Adorable illustrations by Jestenia Southerland grace the pages of this unforgettable story and children will love to see how Lou becomes happy being just Lou.

Kudos to Danielle Herzog for writing such a wonderful book with a theme that embraces individuality and diversity. Thank you to the author for a free book for my honest review.