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“A celebration of individuality. Written in rhymes with a fluid, musical cadence, this read-aloud-friendly book has a clear message: Be yourself. . . . An uplifting message, bolstered by playful art and energetic text.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“The artwork is bright, happy, cheerful, and ¬depicts ¬diverse children who are cued with a variety of ethnicities and are shown using wheelchairs and assistive devices. . . . The poetry’s AABB rhyme scheme lends a singsong tone and flow that fits well with such an uplifting message.”

—School Library Journal

The Most Magnificent Me

Written by Chitra Soundar
Illustrated by Sophie Bass
Published by Candlewick

You might be an artist, a gardener, a drummer, a tennis player, or all of the above.

You might stand out or fit in, be part of the flock or a new kid on the block, be a hardworking early bird or a night owl who loves having fun.

There are endless possibilities for who you can be, and this vibrant picture book, with its bold, swirling, intricate artwork and spirited verse, makes it clear you can be everything you wish. The dynamic pairing of author Chitra Soundar and illustrator Sophie Bass champions the joy of authentic selfhood but also strikes an equal plea for us to let others be themselves, too, no matter how unfamiliar they may seem—not to label them, snatch their tune, set boundaries, or tell them how to feel. For when you are anything you want to be, and I am my most magnificent self, could the “us” that results be any more fabulous?

Primary ISBN: 9781536246599
Publication Date: May 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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