ARC Review: You’re Always Enough by Emily Ley

Publication Date: May 10, 2022

Synopsis:

Emily Ley, bestselling author, founder of Simplified® planners, and mama of three, knows how perfectionism and anxiety can take a toll on anyone, especially children. Emily’s first picture book, You’re Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For,is a special parent-child book that builds self-confidence in children by filling them with love, offering grace, and inviting them to find their own way to become who they’re meant to be.

From a very early age, we learn to struggle with mistakes, fear messing up, and worry about not being good enough. But Emily Ley’s life-giving message of “grace, not perfection” gives kids the freedom to be themselves without any expectations–because they’re already fully loved and treasured just the way they are. Pairing heartwarming rhymes with a timeless art style, this picture book

Is for ages 4 to 8
Has a beautiful cover, perfect for displaying in home decor
Is a great gift for baby showers, Easter, or for any child who needs a boost in self-esteem
You’re Always Enough: And More Than I Hoped For features vibrant illustrations of a diverse cast of characters and will enhearten children who are always trying so hard, are afraid of making mistakes, or need reassurance that they are enough exactly as they are. Hold your child close as you share this sweet message and show them just how proud of the fun, amazing, and so very special person that they are.

My Review:

This was disappointing. I was looking for an uplifting, affirming book to read to my 8-year-old who has been struggling with some self-esteem issues, but this one misses the mark unfortunately.

I like that the illustrations include a lot of racial diversity and children with disabilities. And it does have some moments of really great affirming message. Those moments are undercut for me however by the overall pithy and surface-level rhyming text and the overly religious angle. I would also like to see a bit more gender diversity. The girls all have long hair and are doing ‘girl’ things and the boys are all doing ‘boy’ things and that’s just such a tired concept.

Nothing about the blurb or the listing on goodreads or NetGalley stood out to me as “this is a Christian book” but, uh, this is a Christian book. As we are not a religious family, it doesn’t resonate. I’m glad I didn’t purchase this because I would have been very disappointed.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Children’s for providing an e-arc for review.