Kathy Broderick (Booklist, Feb. 15, 2003 (Vol. 99, No. 12))
A little, redheaded girl romps through this book delighting in herself: she's a star, and she knows it. Her vivacity and self-confidence are apparent from the start, when she revels at her reflection in a mirror ("Nobody has my singular nose / Nobody taps on my ten toes"), to the end, when she dances with flowers in her hair, singing, "I'm the pearl in the oyster, the A to the Z / I'm the one, the only, incredible ME!" Karas imbues his cartoon-style illustrations with the energy of the very young, and together writer and artist show how much fun it is to watch a child discover herself. Category: Books for the Young--Fiction. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99, $16.89. PreS-K.

Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature)
In search of the ultimate self-esteem book for the toddler set? Look no farther. Appelt's little redheaded heroine could put Narcissus to shame. As she romps from her bedroom through the skyscape of the world, this kid's got no shortage of chutzpa. She is "the cream in the butter, the salt in the sea," "the dill in the pickle, the sweet in the pea." And that's just the beginning of her personal inventory. Karas's boldly colored and executed images help to pull off the cliché-ridden conceit, but one is still left with a cloying aftertaste of too many "adorable me's." Yes, it's certainly admirable to promote self-confidence in little ones, but there can be a fine line between confidence, poise, and outright egotism. Freud would have had a field day with this offering. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Ages 3 to 6.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2002 (Vol. 70, No. 24))
A rosy-cheeked, pig-tailed toddler touts all things wonderful about herself. Exhibiting the unabashed braggadocio that is the trademark of small fry, a young girl proudly preens as she describes the myriad amazing qualities that make her unique. From her pert nose to her tippy toes, the little girl lauds everything from her physical attributes to metaphysical ponderings. Appelt's (The Alley Cat's Meow, p. 1301, etc.) light-hearted rhymes keenly hone in on all the characteristics fellow tots would find noteworthy. "Nobody's cowlick stands up like mine / Nobody's freckles are this divine." With plenty of artistic license, Appelt gives a new spin on some old adages, which always culminate in joyous self-affirmation. "I'm the cream in the butter, / I'm the salt in the sea / I'm the one, the only, spectacular me!" Karas's (Princess Fishtail, p. 1229, etc.) quirky illustrations are a happy continuation of the text. Bright hues and over-the-top drawings mirror the lively energy of the saucy verses. With a hearty serving of high-spirited fun, Appelt's joyful tale underscores the message that there is something wonderful to cherish in everyone. In a class by herself, but sure to start a contest. 2003, HarperCollins, $15.99. Category: Picture book. Ages 3 to 6. © 2002 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Marita Richards (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 16, No. 3))
One can tell from the cover of this picture book that it is a celebration of the value of self and individuality. With childlike drawings and a rhyming text, the little girl's irresistible facial expressions are contagious and will make the reader want to sing and shout! While one page speaks of crying and tears, the poem also speaks about one's smiles, kisses, freckles, and dreams. The poem stresses the uniqueness of one's self as "the pearl in the oyster" or "the salt in the sea." Certain words of the text are in bold or color print for emphasis. The text winds through the illustrations, thus adding to the rhythmic flow of the story. The bear and doll are companions on this happy journey. Fiction. Grades PreK-K. 2003, HarperCollins, Unpaged., $16.89. Ages 3 to 6.