SOME BODIES

“All bodies are good— / that’s important to know. / And yours is good too, / however you grow!”

This theme carries throughout this rhyming picture book that shows off people’s bodies in all their forms. Depicted are people who use prosthetics or wheelchairs, who have different skin tones (people with vitiligo are included, too), who wear head scarves, who use cochlear implants, who have tattoos and surgical scars (possibly indicating gender-affirmation surgery), and more. The book ends with a note to parents, caregivers, and teachers about the importance of talking about how people’s bodies look and function differently and sample questions from children (e.g., “Why is that man fat?”) and neutral, body-positive answers. This book definitely practices what it preaches. O’Callaghan’s illustrations represent body diversity and include people of various skin tones, shapes, sizes, and abilities. With warm colors and varied settings, the art is inviting and engaging. Kennen’s text offers no judgment, just simple descriptions with the mantra that “all bodies are good.” There is even additional discussion about people making some choices about how their bodies look (letting skin show, getting tattoos, wearing a wig). (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An important, affirming conversation starter about respecting—and celebrating—diverse bodies.