Dearest One

Dearest One is a collection of poetic verses about unconditional self-love and acceptance. It proves that simple acts of kindness, such as a smile, are powerful enough to change someone’s life. The nine different themes presented will inspire children ages three to eight to cope with their uncomfortable feelings in positive manners. Each page offers age-appropriate mantras to help young readers feel accepted, understood, and safe. It can be hard to look past bad days or see the possibilities for growth after hard times. Instead of urging children to “power through” their painful emotions, this book promotes healthy healing, inner reflection, and self-awareness.

The authors provide metaphors to encourage optimism; they explain that there can be beauty in the middle of rainstorms, so one shouldn’t hide inside and wait for the storm to pass. The vividly colorful images in the book represent the rainbow of emotions that live inside of everyone. Sometimes these colors can feel dull or muted, but everyone has a wide spectrum of feelings that should all be honored and acknowledged. Although the themes are generalized to include all children, each page features a resilient Black female character who is in tune with her emotions.