cover image I Am Good at Being Me

I Am Good at Being Me

Karen Hill, , illus. by Renée Graef, . Little Simon Inspirations, $9.99 (24pp) ISBN 978-1-4169-0319-2

Hill's (Grandmother's Book of Promises ) line of Max Lucado–endorsed titles for little ones continues with a gentle fable-like introduction to "God's Big Plan" (the theme is spotlighted on the front cover). The humble pine tree, pinecone and pine needle are confident about their special God-given roles on Earth. But the bird nesting in the tree isn't so sure. "I don't know why God made me," Little Bird laments. With encouragement from the tree and some presumed inspiration from God, Little Bird discovers his true purpose: singing beautiful songs. Hill imparts her message with a direct and friendly tone that will hold very young readers' interest. Graef's (While You Are Away ) artwork, often spot illustrations framed in oval or round shapes, looks pleasingly old-fashioned. Ages 4-7. (Aug.)