“In Chandler’s picture book, a girl with big feelings explores various ways of expressing herself.
Gabby likes to spend time in nature with animals; she also enjoys painting, singing, dancing, and just moving in simple ways that bring her joy (“I cartwheel, I twirl, I giggle in trees”). Gabby finds comfort in her support system. She knows that she is loved and thus feels empowered to stay true to herself. As she prepares to wrap up her day, Gabby climbs into her soft bed; now, she can finally rest, but not before another one of her favorite activities: storytime. Chandler’s picture book delivers a warm hug of a story, reminding readers that their voices are valuable, even if it takes them a while to find them. The book’s pictures are primarily color photographs by the author; a few of Chandler’s watercolor illustrations also appear, including one of Gabby’s window at nighttime, which provides an interesting contrast to the other images. Gabby is depicted as a pale-skinned doll with brown yarn for hair and thread for a smile. Her numerous outfits add even more variety to the story’s textures and colors. Most young readers will likely find an element of the story that resonates, whether it be the emotional throughline of Gabby’s growth or the various media used to tell the story.
This gentle picture book offers a sweet and encouraging story for young readers.”