Loving Me for Kids

Are you loving you? Do your kids love themselves too or are they still struggling to understand why they look different from everyone else.  These are serious questions that are dealt with in a light and simple way in two books by author, Angelot Ndongmo.

The first, Loving Me, was a pleasure to read, even as an adult. I had butterflies in my stomach at the sight of the cover. It features the images of five little girls, all with dark skin and natural hairstyles. How refreshing! We don't see that everyday. Just a few pages in, you understand what Angelot is trying to do.

The book was created to help little black girls to love their bodies. Too often, we wait until our children already have negative ideas about their physical appearance before we start addressing issues of self-love and identity. This book clearly targets black children and you have to love that the most of the black children illustrated in the book have natural hair. Regarding content, I'm not sure if the little people need to know about melanin in their skin quite yet, but the book is a sure way to get children loving and appreciating themselves.  It also provides the opportunity for parents to begin a deeper discussion with their kids.

The second book, Boy! I'm Loving Me! does the same as the first. Males are usually overlooked with regards to issues of self-acceptance, but they need this type of positive influence just as much as our girls.

Although written for children about 4-8 years of age, I would even begin reading this to my 2 year old niece. Now I have two books to keep at home to read to my young visitors. Get your own copies on Amazon.com or at lovingme.ca. The books can also be found in some libraries. Is it not at yours? Request it from your local library and they may just purchase it!

Author, Angelot Ndongmo, is a youth worker. She lives in Brampton, Ontario and created the books out of a desire to help provide much-needed, positive reading materials for black children.