Who Do I See in the Mirror?

When I heard that the premise of Who Do I See in the Mirror? is all about loving one’s self, I was already sold.

Of course, you can assume that the little girl is going to look in the mirror and point out her attributes.

However, Vese Aghoghovbia Aladewolu sends each attribute into a different direction than I thought it would, which made it even better.

It is a well-known fact in the Bookworm house that I’m the best nostril-flarer. Yup, that’s a thing. I think it’s because I have the most Filipino blood because I believe that nose-flaring is as much a Filipino thing as pointing with your lips. Yes, with your lips. You may not get it if you’re not Filipino.

So when Aladewolu says “I love my cute button nose and the way it flares out when I laugh”, you bet I was super sold on this book.

What I love about Who Do I See in the Mirror? is that the book isn’t just about the cute little brown girl in the mirror—it’s about the reader learning all his/her body parts and loving them for what they are too. And it’s about learning to love others who may not look like them. There’s so much subtext in the reading, without hitting over the reader’s heads. And I think that kids of all ages, from the just learning to talk, to the learning to read, to the proficient reader will understand the concepts at multiple levels.

Irene Omiunu’s illustrations are vibrant and inclusive and full of action. My favorite spreads are when the main character is dancing, and when she’s drying off after her bath.

An added bonus is that Philly & Friends, the publisher behind Who Do I See in the Mirror? also supports literacy and “every book sold ships a book into the hands of an underprivileged child.” What a great way to give back to the community.

So, to sum up, we have a fabulous book about loving ourselves for who we are, and we have a advocate for literacy. I’m 100% on board and I can’t wait to see what Philly & Friends comes up with next!