I'm Me!

PreS-Gr 1—Imogen's visits to her aunt's house are always an adventure. As the child rushes in, Auntie Sara asks her what she wants to play. "Can we play pretend?" And the woman replies "Yes, yes, yes, we can!" A turn of each page reveals a suggestion: a naughty monkey, a princess and queen; a witch and her kitty; a pirate and parrot; knights, or astronauts with Auntie and Imogen gloriously decked out. But to each inquiry, Imogen smilingly replies "No! Today I want to be...." and she reveals she just wants to be herself. The duo dash off to enjoy the park, have an ice cream, and then settle in back home with stories and snuggling in the cozy conclusion. The exuberant, candy-colored illustrations show the pair delighting in each other as they cavort across the spreads. There are few books starring an aunt and her niece, and this playful gem that explores pretending and being oneself will find a welcome place in libraries.—Marge Loch-Wouters, La Crosse Public Library, WI