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The little girl with bright red hair narrating Fare’s picture book begins by saying she has a cold nose—like a dog. But she’s no dog. Her ears are rather big, but she is no elephant. Though her legs are long, she, of course, is not a giraffe. Her eyes may look large when she brings a magnifying glass to her face, but she is not an owl. Like a shark, her smiling mouth is “big with teeth.” And with characteristic red hair, “I could be an orangutan,” writes Fare. “But I’m not!” Playing outside with two arms waving, wearing jeans and a purple shirt, “There is no other quite like me,” the young girl exclaims. “Anywhere. Just me!” The final page reveals a colorful, hand-drawn globe of the world, with oceans swirling around continents.
With a playful, silly young girl as the only character, addressing the reader from the first page to the last, interesting and somewhat amusing comparisons are made between the child and various animals. This thought-provoking idea will surely delight its intended audience of very young readers. Parents, teachers, and caregivers could undoubtedly have fun—even elicit giggles—reading this title aloud. Beyond silly comparisons of the character to nonhuman animals, an important lesson is imparted that every single child, like the character herself, is one-of-a-kind. The author/illustrator exhibits a definite warmth and enthusiasm for her character and the message of individuality this book shares with its readers. Those looking for a fun and unique new children’s book need look no further than this one.