I Like Me!

Hey, everyone, meet Nancy Carlson’s pig.

This pig does not have a name or proper hands (because she’s a pig!), but that can’t stop her–nothing can. She bakes cakes! And when she makes a mistake, she tries and tries again. (Meaning: more cake!) She is her own best friend, she likes her round tummy, and best of all: she reads good books by herself (like me). This little pig was my childhood idol. This book is the very same book I clutched every night before seizing my mother’s arm, demanding, “Read to me, now.”

I’m taking a class that requires us to create a children’s self-esteem book, which naturally transports me back to the “Hi, good-looking!” days.

This may have been the only children’s self-esteem book I have show more read (and remember), but I paid attention to messages past classes have declared in their books. What I notice is this: “I have lots of friends, because I’m a great listener!” or “I love playing on the basketball team, because I am good at it!” The latter is then followed by a picture of a kid surrounded by a cheering crowd, of course, but other people aren’t always around to help give someone a confidence boost. Not everyone wants to boost someone’s confidence. Having sharp ears and the ability to pay attention to words hopping out of mouths is a particular trait one can feel proud about, sure. Athletically gifted? Well, I envy you. It’s great to have pride in your good traits, but what if you don’t have friends? Who’s going to care about your listening skills then? What about accepting yourself as a whole?

Carlson’s I Like Me shows that esteem and inner-strength comes from you and you alone. I was a shy, quiet girl who enjoyed solitary activities. (“What, Mrs. Foster? Why must I play Sorry with those kids? This drawing requires my full attention, and mine alone.”) Hence, that is why I was so damned smitten with this book. It’s not that I was incapable of socializing, and I had friends, but I preferred to be alone. As a loner child and Power Rangers enthusiast, The Pig spoke to me. The Pig said, “It’s okay that you wanted to role-play the black Power Ranger and not the yellow or pink. Those girls are snots, and the blue school bus you drew earlier is just fine. Oh, no, no–don’t listen to your mother! You made a mistake on that last cake. Of course you need to bake another!”

So you see, Nancy Carlson created my hero. Her fearless pig taught me that oral hygiene and bath time are essential, that it’s all right if I’m a nightmare-chef, mistakes don’t make me a failure, and if I had a curly tail, I should like it, too. But most of all, The Pig said, “You can do all these solo activities and still feel great!” This book acknowledged my introverted self, and I clung to every word The Pig had to say. This book was, in every sense, my gospel. Some have bibles, others have cookbooks or Jenny Craig pamphlets, and I have I Like Me.

“When I feel bad, I cheer myself up. When I fall down, I pick myself up. When I make mistakes, I try and try again! No matter where I go, or what I do, I’ll always be me, and I like that!”

To have someone who can cheer you up is fine, but it’s not healthy to solely depend on another’s praise or expect it. Sometimes, the only person you need is yourself. Sometimes, the only person you will have is yourself.

(My sincerest apologies to the three kids I rejected over a round of Sorry, but I had a blue school bus to draw.)


From the archive! This (old) review can be read at Midnight Coffee Monster (with pictures!) show less

In my opinion, this is a really good book because it teaches children to take care of themselves and love themselves. The book starts with a pig saying how she has a best friend. When you turn the page, she informs you that, "That best friend is me!" The pig goes on to say how she likes to read books with herself, paint wither herself, keep herself clean, eat good food, etc. The book also shows how the pig embraces herself. She says, "I like my curly tail, my round tummy, and my tiny little feet." I think that's really important, especially for girls, because so many times they feel like they have to look a certain way. The pig in the book also discusses how she cheers herself up when she's sad, she keeps trying when she makes mistakes, show more and that, "No matter where I go, or what I do, I'll always be me, and I like that!!!" I think that is a phenomenal thing for a child to hear. The book is written in first person which I like because I feel if someone else was saying how the pig likes herself, the book's message wouldn't be as effective. This big idea of this book is to love and take care of yourself. show less

A cute, body-positive picture book about loving yourself and being comfortable with who you are. Really great for younger readers but I loved it too! :)

The story "I Like Me" is one of personal enrichment. A young pig tells beautifully how much she cares for herself and does all the things that bring joy. Most importantly, she speaks of how making mistakes in life are opportunities to make something of her moments. I believe children who have similar problems with self-esteem at a young age would love its message. The images are bright and vibrant and the illustrator matches the positive energy of the young pig as she looks always on the bright side of life.

I think this is a great book to read to children about loving themselves and that is really important. This pig talks about the things she likes to do by herself, and what she likes about herself and that has a great message even at a young age.

This was one of my favorite books growing up. This book portrays self confidence and encourages children to become comfortable in their own skin. This book uses repetition by using positive reinforcements throughout the story as we follow the life of a pig with self esteem issues.

I liked this book for a few reasons. First, I love the illustrations and how they come to life throughout the whole story. I also liked that the book showed children it is okay to like yourself and be your own best friend. This book shows children that it is okay to do things by yourself. I also really like that the book ended by saying "I'll always be me, and I like that!!!" It is important for children to know that there is nothing wrong with being yourself and loving who you are.