Review on Edward Holmes' I Can Be Pretty, children's picture book illustrated by Tais Lemos
"Headspace" is a powerful word. Holmes uses it in I Can Be Pretty (2021) to convey how young people might feel when they are facing questions about their outer, cosmetic qualities. Turning inward, he speaks "life into hearts that are sore," encouraging them to be simply... MORE. More compassionate, more brilliant, more dedicated, more courageous. It stars a foursome of girls who eventually see themselves as grown up and successful. Yet the message is for absolutely everybody, male and female and whatever, any age. The point is to feel the encouragement our author expresses in his positive and nearly therapeutic support. He's a joy to meet and this work is inspiring, fun, and invigorating. Come read it for yourself.
