GORGEOUSLY ME!

Queer Eye hairstylist Van Ness pens an ode to self-confidence.

A group of young people tackle activities both big and small, such as playing soccer or choosing an outfit for the day, with attentiveness, verve, and loving support for one another, all the while celebrating what makes each and every one of us “perfectly, happily, gorgeously” ourselves. Van Ness’ uplifting, encouraging text is paired with Nair’s exuberant illustrations. Themes of community care, family, and being in touch with one’s feelings are woven throughout as each child overcomes obstacles, from anxiety before a recital to conflict with a friend. Children with a range of skin tones are depicted; one light-skinned child uses arm crutches. In an author’s note, Van Ness discusses the importance of embracing differences and reinforces the book’s message of kindness, love, and understanding. While this look at positivity and belief in one’s self might not be the most original, fans of the author’s previous picture book, Peanut Goes for the Gold (2020), illustrated by Gillian Reid, or his Queer Eye castmate Karamo Brown’s I Am Perfectly Designed (2019), co-written by Jason “Rachel” Brown and illustrated by Anoosha Syed, will enjoy his infectious ode to self-expression.

An animated look at celebrating who you are and never letting others dim your light.