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Not Me. Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance: A Rhyming Picture Book about Confidence and Self-Esteem.
What if you could be anyone but yourself? A little monster, tired of being called "scary," gets his wish.
Not Me Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance is a laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing adventure about a little monster who’s tired of being called “scary” with one big wish to be anyone but himself. And guess what? That wish comes true and oh, what a mess! He woke up as a dog (and bit his own tail), then a fish (almost eaten by a cat!), a sloth (so slow he missed lunch), even a human boy (with broccoli and shoelaces that just wouldn’t cooperate).
Each “not-me” brings a brand-new laugh and a brand-new disaster. Being someone else isn’t as easy as it looks. Until one day, our monster realizes a life-changing truth:
Being yourself, messy, marvelous, and monstrously unique, is the most wonderful thing of all.
Why parents and educators will love NOT
The perfect book for building confidence and self-esteem in toddlers and preschoolers.
A laugh-out-loud, rhyming story that keeps kids engaged from the first page to the last.
Teaches the vital message of self-acceptance and embracing what makes us special.
Ideal for ages 3–5, but a joyful read for the whole family.
✨ Get the extra magic! Scan the QR code inside the book to unlock free printable activities and enhance the learning fun!
Not Me Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance is a laugh-out-loud, heart-squeezing adventure about a little monster who’s tired of being called “scary” with one big wish to be anyone but himself. And guess what? That wish comes true and oh, what a mess! He woke up as a dog (and bit his own tail), then a fish (almost eaten by a cat!), a sloth (so slow he missed lunch), even a human boy (with broccoli and shoelaces that just wouldn’t cooperate).
Each “not-me” brings a brand-new laugh and a brand-new disaster. Being someone else isn’t as easy as it looks. Until one day, our monster realizes a life-changing truth:
Being yourself, messy, marvelous, and monstrously unique, is the most wonderful thing of all.
Why parents and educators will love NOT
The perfect book for building confidence and self-esteem in toddlers and preschoolers.
A laugh-out-loud, rhyming story that keeps kids engaged from the first page to the last.
Teaches the vital message of self-acceptance and embracing what makes us special.
Ideal for ages 3–5, but a joyful read for the whole family.
✨ Get the extra magic! Scan the QR code inside the book to unlock free printable activities and enhance the learning fun!
Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
About the author
Ameliessa Richardson
5 books25 followersHi, I’m Ameliessa Richardson, a children’s book author passionate about creating fun, educational stories that spark curiosity and nurture a love for learning. As a mom of a curious two-year-old girl, I’m constantly inspired by her discoveries and the joy she finds in exploring the world around her. That’s why my books combine engaging characters with activities that help little readers explore emotions, numbers, colors, and more.
I believe learning should always be playful and joyful, and I love hearing how families enjoy my stories together.
Thank you for stopping by! Feel free to explore my books, connect with me here, or visit my website for free printable resources and fun activities for kids.
I believe learning should always be playful and joyful, and I love hearing how families enjoy my stories together.
Thank you for stopping by! Feel free to explore my books, connect with me here, or visit my website for free printable resources and fun activities for kids.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 10, 2025
Not Me: A Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance is a sweet, heartwarming story that my kids and I absolutely loved. With fun,vibrant illustrations, it follows a little monster who first of all feels out of place and unhappy with himself. Through a fun, imaginative journey - transforming into all sorts of animals and creatures - he discovers that trying to be like everyone else is exhausting, and that the life he loves most is his own.
It was great fun wondering what he would turn into next. The adventure is engaging, playful, and packed with gentle wisdom, making the message of self-acceptance feel both accessible and meaningful for young readers.
There is also some excellent bonus material accessed via QR code. It’s a genuinely valuable resource, supporting children as they build confidence and coping skills, and guiding the adults who help them navigate those emotions.
A lovable, uplifting story that reminds readers of every age that we’re perfect just the way we are. Highly recommend.
It was great fun wondering what he would turn into next. The adventure is engaging, playful, and packed with gentle wisdom, making the message of self-acceptance feel both accessible and meaningful for young readers.
There is also some excellent bonus material accessed via QR code. It’s a genuinely valuable resource, supporting children as they build confidence and coping skills, and guiding the adults who help them navigate those emotions.
A lovable, uplifting story that reminds readers of every age that we’re perfect just the way we are. Highly recommend.
November 3, 2025
A delightful and meaningful story about accepting ourselves as we are! With gorgeous, vibrant illustrations, this story follows little monster on his journey to discovering that there truly is noone else like him. At first, little monster feels misunderstood and out of place. He wishes he were more loveable, so he tries being someone new each day but it's not as easy as it looks! Eventually, he learns that trying to live like everyone else is exhausting, and realises that the life he loves most is his own. This heartwarming tale delivers a beautiful message about self-acceptance and celebrating our differences in a fun and engaging way.
I also loved the thoughtful addition of the bonus material, accessible via QR code. It’s such a valuable resource, not only for helping children develop confidence and coping skills, but also for the adults who are guiding them through these lessons.
A wonderful story that reminds readers of all ages that we are perfect just the way we are. The perfect addition to everyone's little library!
I also loved the thoughtful addition of the bonus material, accessible via QR code. It’s such a valuable resource, not only for helping children develop confidence and coping skills, but also for the adults who are guiding them through these lessons.
A wonderful story that reminds readers of all ages that we are perfect just the way we are. The perfect addition to everyone's little library!
November 7, 2025
Not Me: A Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance is a sweet and heartwarming story that my kids and I absolutely loved. It follows a little monster who isn’t happy with himself at first, but through a fun and imaginative journey, he learns that he’s perfect just the way he is.
The story takes readers on a delightful adventure as the monster transforms into different animals and creatures, realizing along the way that being himself is what truly matters. Each page had us smiling and excited to see what he would turn into next.
This is a lovable and meaningful story—perfect for little ones learning the important lesson of self-acceptance and celebrating who they are.
The story takes readers on a delightful adventure as the monster transforms into different animals and creatures, realizing along the way that being himself is what truly matters. Each page had us smiling and excited to see what he would turn into next.
This is a lovable and meaningful story—perfect for little ones learning the important lesson of self-acceptance and celebrating who they are.
November 6, 2025
A Must-Read for Building Confidence!
Not Me Today is a delightful story that helps kids laugh while learning to love who they are. The little monster’s hilarious adventures, turning into a dog, a fish, even a human, show that trying to be someone else isn’t nearly as fun as being yourself! Parents and educators will appreciate the gentle message about self-acceptance wrapped in humor and heart. Perfect for sparking meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom!
Not Me Today is a delightful story that helps kids laugh while learning to love who they are. The little monster’s hilarious adventures, turning into a dog, a fish, even a human, show that trying to be someone else isn’t nearly as fun as being yourself! Parents and educators will appreciate the gentle message about self-acceptance wrapped in humor and heart. Perfect for sparking meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom!
November 8, 2025
A Fun and Uplifting Story for Kids
A delightful and heartwarming read with adorable illustrations, perfect for children. The story is not only fun and engaging but also teaches a beautiful lesson about self-acceptance. I absolutely love how the playful storytelling and charming artwork come together to create such a meaningful and uplifting experience. A truly wonderful book that will lift spirits and inspire confidence in every child who reads it.
A delightful and heartwarming read with adorable illustrations, perfect for children. The story is not only fun and engaging but also teaches a beautiful lesson about self-acceptance. I absolutely love how the playful storytelling and charming artwork come together to create such a meaningful and uplifting experience. A truly wonderful book that will lift spirits and inspire confidence in every child who reads it.
November 11, 2025
Meet Monster, the adorable, fluffy purple ball of fur who wishes he could be anyone but himself! Join him on a heartwarming, giggle filled adventure as he embarks on a furry journey of self-discovery with a little help from his cheerful yellow crab friend. Bursting with vibrant illustrations and a beautiful message about self-love and friendship, this delightful story reminds all our little monsters that being yourself is the best thing you can be!
November 6, 2025
I was excited to receive an ARC of 'Not Me: A Monster's Guide to Self-Acceptance,' and it is truly sweet and wonderful! This book delivers a powerful message about loving who you are, wrapped in a silly, fun, and engaging story.
The main character, a little monster, is tired of being a monster because he feels misunderstood. He wishes to be anyone else and gets his wish, waking up each day as a new creature. The story takes the reader on a hilarious journey as the monster tries to navigate life as various animals.
Each new form, like the giraffe, fish, axolotl, and whale, comes with its own funny challenges, which helps the monster (and the reader!) realize that being someone else isn't as easy as it looks.
The book's ultimate message is clear and monstrously true: the best thing to be is YOU! The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and incredibly charming. This is a must-read for any little one (and grown-up!) who needs a gentle reminder that they are perfectly special. Highly recommend!
The main character, a little monster, is tired of being a monster because he feels misunderstood. He wishes to be anyone else and gets his wish, waking up each day as a new creature. The story takes the reader on a hilarious journey as the monster tries to navigate life as various animals.
Each new form, like the giraffe, fish, axolotl, and whale, comes with its own funny challenges, which helps the monster (and the reader!) realize that being someone else isn't as easy as it looks.
The book's ultimate message is clear and monstrously true: the best thing to be is YOU! The illustrations are bright, vibrant, and incredibly charming. This is a must-read for any little one (and grown-up!) who needs a gentle reminder that they are perfectly special. Highly recommend!
November 9, 2025
Not Me: A Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance is an absolute gem! As both a teacher and a parent, I treasure stories that open doors to real conversations about self-confidence, and this one truly shines. Written in playful, flowing rhyme and filled with fun fonts and delightful sound words like splish splat, cluck! cluck!, and Pop!, it’s a joy to read aloud. The adorable illustrations bring the Monster’s transformations to life as he tries out being a dog, fish, sloth, squirrel, and more. Each new identity feels like a little story of its own, full of color, curiosity, and charm. The layers of imagination and emotion make this book one kids will want to read again and again.
November 11, 2025
This charming rhyming adventure follows a little monster through one funny disaster after another as he tries being a dog, a fish, a sloth, and even a human boy, learning along the way that being himself is truly the best thing of all. Not Me. Monster’s Guide to Self-Acceptance captures the blend of humor, warmth, and gentle wisdom that Ameliessa Richardson brings to all of her books. The characters are lovable, the message is uplifting, and the story has the kind of energy that keeps young readers fully engaged. A fantastic, confidence-building read for kids and a standout addition to any picture-book library.
November 13, 2025
NOT ME is a little rhyming book that can be viewed from many angles: unpretentious, dreamy, adventurous, educational, humourous, playful, and more.
The most important way to describe the publication is that the title can inspire young readers.
The author's rhymes make the story engaging, easy to follow, and fun to read; they sharpen listening skills and help children develop an ability called phonemic awareness.
The joyfulness of the publication creates a happy feeling in readers' or listeners' minds.
The illustrations serve as a clear visual map of the pleasant sing-song, adventurous book.
The most important way to describe the publication is that the title can inspire young readers.
The author's rhymes make the story engaging, easy to follow, and fun to read; they sharpen listening skills and help children develop an ability called phonemic awareness.
The joyfulness of the publication creates a happy feeling in readers' or listeners' minds.
The illustrations serve as a clear visual map of the pleasant sing-song, adventurous book.
November 3, 2025
NOT ME. Monster's Guide to Self-Acceptance tells the story of a little monster who tries to be anyone but himself after others judge him by his looks. Throughout his journey, he learns that being authentic makes him happiest. With its gentle message and playful tone, this story beautifully encourages children to embrace who they are. As a fellow children’s author, I admire how it delivers a powerful lesson in self-acceptance in a fun, relatable way. Highly recommended for young readers everywhere!
November 10, 2025
Accepting Yourself!
This book was so adorable! I loved it! I loved how the author took a very real worry for children about wanting to fit in and not being comfortable in their own skin. The monster wanted to change everything about himself. This book brings up this worry kids have in a light way, but helps kids find that it is better in the end to be yourself! The illustrations just put the cherry on top! Such beautiful illustrations!
This book was so adorable! I loved it! I loved how the author took a very real worry for children about wanting to fit in and not being comfortable in their own skin. The monster wanted to change everything about himself. This book brings up this worry kids have in a light way, but helps kids find that it is better in the end to be yourself! The illustrations just put the cherry on top! Such beautiful illustrations!
November 16, 2025
A wonderfully illustrated story, whimsical and full of charm. The little monster’s misadventures, hopping from dog to fish to sloth to human boy, keep the pages turning with a grin. Each transformation brings a burst of humor and just the right amount of chaos and a light, playful touch.
It’s fun, imaginative, and sweet in all the right ways. A delightful reminder for little readers (and their grown-ups) that being yourself, quirks, messiness, and all, is the best magic there is.
It’s fun, imaginative, and sweet in all the right ways. A delightful reminder for little readers (and their grown-ups) that being yourself, quirks, messiness, and all, is the best magic there is.
November 26, 2025
My favorite type of books are those that teach something valuable to kids. This book is a rhyming read-aloud story about a little monster who isn’t happy in his own body. He tries being a parrot, a fish, a dog, and even a boy—but nothing feels right. Young readers will discover the reason by the end of the book. It’s a very sweet story with beautiful illustrations. I recommend it for the lesson on self-confidence.
November 2, 2025
What a treasure! I must get a copy for my granddaughters- 2 and 6 months. The art work inspires joy and ear to ear smiles, and the narrative is so positive and up lifting. Little readers will laugh out loud each time the monster becomes 'something else' that somehow- is not quite just right! This is an instant classic and will be a beloved bed time story. Highly recommend. 5 stars!
November 2, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of this book! I found the story so loving and creative! It follows a monster who doesn't want to be scary anymore! It shows all the things the monster wants to be and shows young readers that nothing can stop them from being creative and dreaming whatever they wish for! This story has bright and vivid imagery that is perfect for all young readers!
November 9, 2025
"Not Me" is a wonderful children's picture book with rhymes that will please! The monster tried being a new creature each day, had a lot of fun, but found nothing could compare to being himself. The illustrations were outstanding too! Put a smile on a child's face and give this book!
November 16, 2025
A sweet story with a lovely concept. The narrative did feel a little disjointed in places, for example, he’s a worm underground and then suddenly a whale, which left my son wondering how he ended up in the water. Still, the illustrations are beautiful and the overall lesson is great.
November 25, 2025
Not Me is a cute and clever rhyming book about an adorable monster who learns to love himself. The illustrations are fun and whimsical, and little ones will love looking for the silly, yellow crab and the sweet, pink snail. It's a great bedtime story or perfect for a classroom read-aloud.
November 8, 2025
Not Me is the most adorable book to help children learn to love their own unique selves! It's fun, colorful, and includes great back matter for kids and their grown-ups to read togethers.
November 13, 2025
Loved this fun rhyming children’s book about accepting who you are. The art was particularly good and I think the overall message is important. Another great book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews