Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself (A Picture Book)

by Susan Verde, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator)

Encourage kids to practice self-love every day with Who I Am , an uplifting picture book collection of positive affirmations and companion to Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds’s New York Times bestselling I Am series.

When the unkind voice gets loud and I feel down, I can tell
I am enough. In this world, I matter.

We all have rough tough times when we feel down and an unkind voice in our mind can make us feel disappointed in ourselves. But we can talk back to that unkind voice; we can find the voice that will lift us up instead. We can tell ourselves words that are positive, supportive, and true.

A celebration of self-love and owning all the things that make us special, Who I Words I Tell Myself is a heartfelt collection of positive affirmations, helping us to affirm that we are human, we are enough, and we are deserving of all kinds of love—especially our own.
Also
I Am Human
I Am Love
I Am One
I Am Me
I Am Peace
I Am Yoga
I Am Courage

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Mental Health, Inspirational, Self Help

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Susan Verde is a New York Times bestselling children’s author, children’s yoga and mindfulness expert, former teacher, and parent. By 2022 she will have more than 20 picture books in the marketplace. She is a highly sought after speaker at conferences, festivals, and schools across the nation, and spends half the year on the road working with children and families. Verde is a frequent contributor to online magazines and has appeared on multiple podcasts speaking about writing, parenting, mindfulness, and yoga. She lives in East Hampton, New York.

Reviews

[Élise Massé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vraiment fan de cette petite collection de livre. Ça fait du bien, à n'importe quel âge de se rappeler que nos pensées intrusives ne sont pas qui nous sommes. Et qu'en changeant la narration interne pour quelque chose de plus positif, ça nous rapproche de qui nous sommes vraiment à l'intérieur 😇

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady]

Celebrate self-love and individuality with affirmations encouraging children to embrace all aspects of their identity, even the parts they may not always like.

Who I Am explores self-acceptance, self-love, and recognising our uniqueness. The book emphasises that being human means being unique and imperfect, and that's okay.

Discussion Questions:
Why is it important to love and accept ourselves just as we are?
Can you think of a time when you felt different or unique? How did that make you feel?
How can we celebrate our individuality and the things that make us special?
What positive affirmations can you tell yourself when you're feeling down or doubting yourself?
Why do you think it's important to understand that everyone is unique and nobody is perfect?

[Jasmine Gaydos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about self love and talks about all the different things that make us special. There are positive messages in this book that will help children know they are enough, they are worthy, and they are deserving. I think this would be a fun book to have in the classroom for purposes in developing love for oneself.

[Olivia VanDamme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book shopping for my nieces and this book is incredible. Very important and amazing messages of positive self-talk and self-love in this book, that are great reminders for adults and young readers alike! Highly recommend!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This is a lovely book of affirmations for both children and adults. Many of the pages would make perfect clasroom/wall decor!

[Laura Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a poignant book full of positive affirmations that can boost your spirit, heal your heart, & brighten your soul! A book to return to and read again and again. Just beautiful words and message!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book we all need. Speaking truth over the voice of insecurity that sometimes overwhelms us. Susan Verde reminds us all that positive affirmations make a difference.

[Elizabeth Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What stories do we tell ourselves about ourselves? Hearing positive stories or phrases about ourselves gives us the ability to make those the background of our lives or replace defensive or negative stories that we have developed to protect ourselves.
This book is important because it helps adults give children the positive stories that will become guides to them in difficult times.
This book is also very “hippie 1970” in the sense that “there is no right or wrong” and “you are love and peace and courage…”. Many of the diverse children are drawn with tie dye shirts or peacenik beanies. Butterflies and doves adorn the pages.
It all adds up to a healthy counter to the negative cultural environment we are in at this time (2025).

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book of positive affirmations for anyone. I could really use this one right now.

I enjoy the beginning. She has a negative mindset and the person looks like a shadow with no color on the page. Then she gives the affirmation and the person is active in something in full color. It only does that at the beginning, but it works really well.

Great artwork, so colorful.

We need tools to work with that inner negative voice inside our heads, we each have one. Mine has turned into a sociopath and is trying to kill me. I need some weapons against it.

[Erin O'Halloran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encourages children to develop positive self talk, confidence, and resilience. This book helps young readers recognize their strengths, embrace their emotions, and build self awareness. I would use this book as part of a morning routine or mindfulness activity, having students choose or create their own affirmations to start the day on a positive note. It could also be a great discussion starter for social emotional, helping kids express their feelings and build self confidence. I want to teach children at a young age to love themselves.

[Andrés · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in favor of books that build kids up and give them the tools to be emotionally resilient. I think this book is general enough to apply to any reader, and it's mostly structured well. It starts by explaining that the mind will sometimes "tell me words that are not loving or kind" and that those words are not true. The book then has pairs of grey/color pages that share affirmations that can respond to feelings of sadness/anger/worry, keeping worries inside, hopelessness, perfectionism, failure, "I can't." Then it shares some wholistic affirmations.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud of you for reading this beautiful book! You learned something wonderful: the words you say to yourself matter. When you tell yourself "I am kind" or "I am brave," you become stronger inside. Remember, whenever you feel worried or scared, you can whisper nice words to yourself, just like the book teaches. You're doing an amazing job becoming a thoughtful reader. We love you so much!

[Lexi Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am truly in awe of the children's books we have on the market today. This is a wonderful book that I love reading to my daughter every single day. It also serves as a gentle reminder to practice what I preach, as so much of what she learns is by watching me.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and sweet book of positive affirmations. Classic Verde and Reynolds.

[Colorado Buck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concepts. Hard for storytime. Great for individual use.

[Kristin Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great book for all ages and for kids to learn that it’s ok to have all the emotions. Yes, please!

[Book.lover_94 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro está excelente para trabajar con los niños la imagen positiva de si mismo y poder trabajar su autoestima.

[Bellatuscana Bellatuscana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed this story. Read at UUCA.

[Heather Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous message in this series of amazing books!

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! Really liked this one. Great way to practice self-talk!

I did miss the Peter H Reynolds handwriting. Not enough! His writing is always part of the charm of these books.

[Y.Poston]

a beautiful book of mindfullness
focused on redirecting negative self talk
Lovely!

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and lovely words!

[Madalyne Alvarez]

Great book to teach a SEL lesson on self affirmations and there effect.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am never a fan of any book that has the phrase "I am enough." Because we're not. We are never enough. Jesus is enough for us. And that's what gives me peace on a rough day.

[Julie McCobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute kids book to learn about positive affirmations

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

my friend leant this to me and i am grateful that she did. i needed a reminder of who i am.

[Hannah Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, self-affirming book that encourages us to stand up to the sometimes unkind voice in our heads. It's slightly wordy, but written as straightforward as possible with little fluff to clutter up the important message. The cover radiates such warmth and self-love, you won't be able to resist peeking at all the illustrations before you even read the book.

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book I the series has wonderful illustrations, as always. It's a book about affirmations and creating some affirmations for yourself. "I am kindness. I make a difference."