A Wonderful Children’s Book about Inclusivity: Hi, I’m Me!
In this heart-warming tale about a mother and daughter, first-time author Kelly Vurinaris captures the beauty in human differences.She takes the reader through everyday experiences in the life of Chloe, a little girl with facial differences. Since she’s been going out into the world, Chloe notices people staring at her.
To connect with others and break down initial barriers, she quickly discovers that she just needs to introduce herself. With one simple phrase, she is creating inclusivity and changing the world, one face at a time. With her mom’s guidance, Chloe learns that although she may look different, all differences are beautiful.
Differences are everywhere and within each one of us. We all have physical differences, from our colors to our shapes and sizes, to our bodies’ features. And as our children grow, they begin to notice these visible differences as they make sense of their world and learn how to embrace them. It’s so important that we make physical differences part of their norm. Reading wonderful picture books is a great way to show our children how to embrace all different kinds of beautiful!
Today, I’m sharing one of my new favorite children’s books about accepting and embracing others’ differences. Full of heart, and incredible life lessons, Hi, I’m Me by Kelly Vurinaris, is a children’s book about seeing the beauty around us, inclusivity, and celebrating your differences.
Hi, I’m Me is a rare gem of a children’s book–beautifully written about a little girl who will linger in your memory and heart: Chloe, a little girl with facial differences. This sweet, positive, little girl wants the same things others want: friendship, understanding, and the freedom to be herself.
In this heart-warming children’s book about a mother and daughter, first-time author and #1 International Best Seller, Kelly Vurinaris “captures the beauty in human differences.” Readers follow Chloe’s life, as she goes out into the world and experiences people staring at her because of her facial differences.
In this children’s book, Chloe learns that by introducing herself and using her words to connect with others, she can create inclusivity and help others change the way they see her. With her mom’s help, Chloe learns that even though she looks different, she is beautiful.
This children’s book is a must-have for children everywhere and should be on everyone’s bookshelf.
Where Can I Find Children's Book, "Hi, I'm Me?"
You can find Hi, I’m Me by Kelly Vurinaris on Amazon.
About Children's Book Author, Kelly Vurinaris
Kelly Vurinaris is a mom, and like every mom, she wants the best for her child. Kelly created this book to help other children with differences understand that if you add your voice, you are no longer an object to be stared at; you’re a person. This book is a true story taken from her own life. It represents what she has taught her daughter to do when someone is staring at her. Kelly is an advocate for kindness and acceptance for everyone and is committed to changing the world one face at a time.
Rapid Fire with Kelly Vurinaris
Q. What does your family think of your writing?
Kelly: My family is so proud and loves that I wrote a children’s book. They are a little surprised that I did as my main career is in the fashion industry. I feel most proud that my daughter is my biggest fan and that she can relate to the main character Chloe. She loves that she can hold the book and see a girl that looks like her.
Q. What was the most surprising thing you learned about creating books?
Kelly: How much impact a story has on our children if they relate to what you wrote and the illustrations you have created. If they see themselves in the book or the story, then it can change their outlook and create confidence, self-worth, and happiness.
Q. Describe what your ideal writing space looks like?
Kelly: I thought my ideal spot would be in my office with lots of pictures around, a chalkboard wall with inspirational quotes, and yet I find I do my best writing as a passenger in a car or on the train. It has a way of making me reminisce and create my stories.
Q. What do you love most about the writing process?
Kelly: I love that I can inspire through the words I use and the illustrations that go with them.
Being able to get lost in thought and see the story in my mind makes it easier for me to write. I actually use the notes app on my phone as my best writing tool.
Q. Tell us about your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Kelly: In 5 years, I would love to see my book Hi, I’m Me in all school systems being read in the earlier grades. I will have several other books published and go on to speak in schools and events to teach the importance of kindness and that everyone is beautiful.
Q. How did you become involved in the subject or theme of your book?
Kelly: My daughter was born with a rare syndrome called Treacher-Collins Syndrome. This means she was born with facial differences, and even though she’s the cutest girl I have ever seen, she gets stared at wherever we go. When she became old enough, we taught her to introduce herself to others, especially to the ones that stared.
What we found was once she did, it changed the atmosphere, and they were instant friends. They realized she is a person with a voice like them. I thought that if this worked so well for us, it could help others. Everyone has a difference; some you can see, some you can’t, but if you use your voice, it creates an unknown confidence within.
Q. What inspires you as a writer?
Kelly: My daughter is my inspiration; she has taught me far more than I have taught her. I am so blessed to have her in my life.
Her confidence and empathy for others are what encourages me to know there is kindness in the world and that we can show it to everyone and teach it to all children.
Q. What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Kelly: When I’m not writing, you’ll find me hanging out with my family, drinking tea. I love anything creative! I am always doing crafts with my daughter and DIY projects. We also love to bake together.
Q. Can you tell us about one of the most rewarding moments you have had as an author?
Kelly: The most rewarding moment was just after my book was released. I received a message from a mom who had read the book with her daughter. She shared that her daughter related so much to the Chloe character and that she also is stared at.
The simple message of the book gave them a tool to use, and I realized that this is exactly why I wrote Hi, I’m Me. With this one simple phrase of introducing yourself, it breaks the barriers down and creates inclusivity. It works with adults too. The message is so simple and works!
Q. Is there a message in your book that you hope readers will grasp?
Kelly: The message that I would love everyone (both child and adult) would be just to introduce yourself. You have no idea what kind of perceived confidence it gives off, even if our children don’t know what confidence is yet.
You are using your voice and showing that you are a person, just like everyone else. I would also like everyone to know that beauty lies in difference. No matter how you look, you are beautiful just the way you are.
Q. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Kelly: I have heard that they love that it’s such a simple phrase that works! It brings us back to basics, and everyone can relate to it.
Everyone has a difference, some are visible, and some are invisible, but we all have equal value, and with a simple introduction, you are adding your voice.
Don't Forget To Join Kelly Vurinaris on Social Media!
All in all, my family and I have really enjoyed this book and we know you will too! Please feel free to leave me any comments or questions about this review. I look forward to hearing from you!
* This book was kindly sent to me by Author, Kelly Vurinaris in exchange for an honest review.
