Book Review
A short overview of this book
I’m a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail is a lovely book for young children about gender stereotypes and being a girl.
This is what the Publishers has to say…
I’m supposed to be made of sugar and spice and all things nice. But I’m sweet and sour and not a little flower. I am a girl! I am a girl! I am a girl! The girl in this book likes to win, she likes to be spontaneous, fast and strong, and because she also likes to dress in t-shirt and shorts, she is forever getting mistaken for a boy. And when she meets a boy who likes wearing princess dresses and playing dolls, they both quickly discover that they share interests that are wide and varied. I am a Girl! is a wonderful celebration of being who we are and not being pigeon-holed or restricted by gender stereotypes. Most of all it is full of energy and laugh-out-loud funny. Who says that pink is for girls and blue is for boys?
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 3 to 6 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of I’m a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, also known as Cath Hakanson, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. This is where I review a bunch of books and help parents find an easier way to talk to their kids about love, sex, relationships, and growing up. Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called I’m a Girl, Be Yourself, There’s No One Better by Yasmyne Ismail.
Let me tell you, this book is an absolute gem! It was recommended by some parents, so I got my hands on a copy, and boy, am I glad I did. It’s a lovely little picture book with beautiful and simple artwork. Let me quickly show you what it’s all about.
Basically, it tells the story of a kid who challenges gender stereotypes. It starts off with the line, I’m supposed to be nice, all sugar and spice, but I’m sweet and sour, not a little flour. I love how the author uses clever wordplay, like mentioning lime, to break down these stereotypes. For example, they point out that boys are often seen as messy, but hey, girls can be messy too! It’s all about challenging these preconceived notions.
The book goes on to say, I can be fast, never slow. I’m a girl. I’m brave. I’m a girl. It’s all about empowering kids to be proud of who they are and not be limited by societal expectations. It even tackles the idea that dolls are only for girls, saying, No, they’re not. I absolutely love that!
You see, as kids grow up, they start figuring out who they are and what their gender means to them. And that’s when they start encountering stereotypes, especially when they interact with other children. They might come home and say things like, I don’t like playing with the boys at school. They’re too rough. I prefer playing with girls. And as a parent, you might be left scratching your head, wondering where this is coming from. After all, you’ve been teaching them that everyone is equal, right?
Well, that’s where books like this come in. They provide children with an alternative viewpoint, helping them challenge these stereotypes and embrace their true selves. These books are incredibly powerful and important in shaping their understanding of gender equality.
I hope you found this little review helpful. Trust me, I’m a Girl, Be Yourself, There’s No One Better is a book that can make a real difference in your child’s life. So go ahead and grab a copy. Cheers!
