Title: Never Be Anyone Other Than You
Author: Meri Tumanyan
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ASIN: B09W4WVPB6
Pages: 44
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
If there were only one book shelf in your house to choose stories to read over-and-over to your children at bedtime, this would be need to be on that shelf. The power of positive reinforcement is synergistically combined with a wonderful level of artistry in author Meri Tumanyan’s Never Be Anyone Other Than You. Within these beautifully balanced illustrations with adjacent galley text, each turn of the pages brings an impactful, soothing, and loving message to youngsters reading, or being read too, this cross-genre book; encompassing the basics of self-improvement, humor, love and even a bit of poetic prose.
The author interleaves the images of mostly a young girl with other children and parents, growing up and living their lives together. Deeply seated with a maternal, nurturing written voice, along with an overly feminine preponderance of images in the pictures, young children will be immersed in a world of enlightenment, being entertained while educated and gaining confidence in becoming true to themselves.
On page 12, for example, is a drawing which totally captivated me in its originality, creativity, and beauty. It is of two girls, one a bit older than the other as it may be a mother and daughter, making “movie star” faces staring straight forward, while framed in what would commonly be considered a “selfie” on a cell phone. The text reads, “You’re a playful bunny / predicably funny / delightfully silly / yet perceptive and sound.” At first glance readers may not notice, but looking more closely at the illustration there are little pink heart shapes on each of their noses. I must admit children’s illustrated books do not get any better than this! It will empower and certainly create an emotionally enjoyable reaction to all who turn to this page. Although I picked this out to be my favorite, each of the pages of this entire book encompasses the best-in-class themes in its subtle yet powerful messaging.
An amazing creative accomplishment, having such skillful artistry along with insightful words and prose, author Meri Tumanyan’s Never Be Anyone Other Than You is a book every family with young children should have. Although written for children, adolescents, teens, and even adults will benefit from the themes within this excellent masterpiece. This is just the latest of many other books by the author, each following many common themes of building confidence and a moral foundation in youngsters, which most likely should be some of your other book on that singular bookshelf.
