Hello, friends! Our book today is You Are A Beautiful Beginning, written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Kelsey Garrett-Riley, a colorful and self-affirming fantasy tale.

A group of three friends venture out into their neighboring forest one day, intent on building a very special project together. As the children gather supplies, consult plans, and enjoy each other’s company, the very forest comes to life around them; from flowers to acorns to hedgehogs to gnomes and fairies, new little companions seem to be around every corner and under every leaf. The friends complete their masterpiece – a clubhouse under a fairy tree – and enjoy the fruits of their labor until the sun sets, at which point they head to their homes… and the creatures of the forest keep the clubhouse in their absence.

Delightful. As the soft and endearing artwork – filled with comforting colors and warmth – tells the story of the friends and their enterprise, the gentle rhyming text offers affirmations of self, friendship, and feelings to the reader. These reminders are simple, yet arranged into soothing rhythm and lovely words to accompany the illustrations; it allows both to compliment each other, building a rich narrative that anyone can relate to and take something from. The length is perfect for a storytime, and the soothing tone ideal for the bedtime book; JJ enjoyed the playful illustrations especially. A magical tale that’s sure to please, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)