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All by Myself (But Sometimes I Need a Little Help!)
CCBC Review:
In a cheery, matter-of-fact narrative, a child recites a host of things they can do by themself. For each, they also note a related activity with which they require help. “I can put on my shoes, but I need a little help to tie the laces. … I can decorate a kite, but I need a little help to fly it in the wind.” The tone makes clear that needing help is nothing out of the ordinary; the expressly stated message at story’s end is that needing help is perfectly okay. This intention is balanced with a marvelously child-centered text, each opening activity recognizable as a potential point of “I can do it myself” pride for young children. Buoyant, colorful collage artwork shows the multiracial, brown-skinned, short-haired child with their helpful grownups, a dad who appears Black and a mom who appears Asian. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Shelley Hanmo
CCBC Age Recommendation: 3-6
Age Range:
Babies/Toddlers (birth – 3)
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Helpfulness
Independence/Self-Reliance
Multiracial Characters/Families
Diversity subjects:
Asian
Black/African
Publisher:
Soaring Kite
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 24
ISBN: 9781958372722
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Everett