A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 158

Picture Book: Me I Am

Author: Jack Prelutsky

Illustrator: Christine Davenier

Summary: Prelutsky, a well-known children’s poet, has adapted a clever poem for this picture book. The verse that follows is presented 3 times with illustrations of 3 very individual children at play: “I am the only ME I AM who qualifies as me; no ME I AM has been before, and none will ever be. No other ME I AM can feel the feelings I’ve within; no other ME I AM can fit precisely in my skin. There is no other ME I AM who thinks the thoughts I do; the world contains one ME I AM, there is no room for two.” It wraps up with the 3 children meeting and joining a collection of children engaged in delightful play, all declaring: “I am the only ME I AM this earth shall ever see; that ME I AM I always am is no one else but ME.”

Hanna’s Comments: This fun book can be used as a tool to discuss some profound Bible stories with children (see list below). Be sure to emphasize not only each person’s value and individuality, but also focus on the importance of respecting and celebrating the uniqueness of others. As you affirm each person as a child of God, encourage them to do the same for each other. The poem in its original form is in the back of the book. You may want to have multiple copies so that they children can see all the wonderfully detailed illustrations. Make it interactive as you read by signaling to the children whenever you're ready for them to shout, "ME I AM."

Publisher & Date of Publication: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2007

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, authenticity, body of Christ, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, diversity, emotions/feelings, gifts/giftedness/talents, goodness, identity/names, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, joy, play, satisfaction, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, self-discovery, variety

Scripture Connections: Each of us is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); God answers Moses, “I am that I am.” (Exodus 3:14); I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in any lesson for young children that emphasizes that each of them is uniquely made in God’s own image. Tie in God’s answer to Moses’ question about God’s name. Reinforce your lesson with Psalm 139:14.