Yes, from head to toe tip, you're truly original, / a creation-in-progress, a distinct individual. / Look the world over, and you'll never find / a duplicate of you-ness that's your one-of-a-kind! These heavy-handed, saccharine verses belabor their message about the uniqueness of each person. Though a few of the drawings of children have appeal, the illustrations are mediocre for the most part. From HORN BOOK Spring 2002, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

PreS-Gr 2-In this celebration of the individual, Richmond encourages readers to embrace their unique traits and talents. Written in rhyme, the text defines "you-ness" as something "Quite hard to describe,/it's your style of being, your rhythm or vibe./It's the grand sum of you that sets you apart./Your body and brains plus your spirit and heart." The text bounces along, celebrating diverse cultures, different physical traits, and individual dreams. At times, however, it seems too wordy and there are several forced rhymes and awkward passages. Scratchboardlike effects add texture and interest to the thick, lush paintings that resemble whimsical finger-paint art. The illustrations depict girls and boys feeling good about who they are.-Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.