Little girls were traditionally made of “sugar and spice and all things nice”. Thankfully, they are allowed to come in more varied flavours nowadays. 😉

This book celebrates everything about what little girls are and what they can be. It doesn’t stick to the usual spiel of “You can be strong/brave/a high achiever” but goes much beyond that. It tells girls that it’s okay to try and fail. It also tells them that it’s fine to cry or ask for help. This realistic approach to life was my favourite part of the book. It doesn’t aim to incorporate the quest towards perfection but suggests how self-acceptance, with flaws and all, is equally important. We shouldn’t strive to be perfect but be the best we can.

More importantly, the book doesn’t indulge in any kind of boy-bashing nor does it go for an ‘us vs. them’ approach. I appreciate the author’s decision of not making any kind of comparisons with boys, positive or negative. Girls must be allowed to be themselves without being measured against the standards set for/by boys. Equality isn’t about surpassing boys, after all; it is about getting the same opportunities.

The book ends with some wonderful affirmations that little girls can recite to themselves daily to give the best of themselves to the day ahead.

It is very easy to understand why this picture book will make you go “Awww!” and “Wow!” simultaneously. It is cute and inspiring. The language is quite simple to understand, with a mix of rhymes and simple prose that works wonderfully in tandem.

The illustrations by Talitha Shipman are the icing on the cake, with every page being inclusive both in terms of race as well as physical ability.

Loved it to the core! Recommended with all my heart to every little girl. Go and spread some happiness around by gifting this book to the little cuties in your life. Suited for ages 3-8.

5 glittery stars.

My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland, and NetGalley for the DRC of “What Little Girls Are Made Of”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I received an ARC of this children's book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a beautiful children's book. The pictures are really well done. And I love the message the book contains!

I thought this book was super sweet and endearing. I could see myself reading this to my daughters nightly to repeat to them all of the qualities that they are inside each and every day. I also love how it takes the classic nursery rhyme and spins it so little girls aren't just "nice". The artwork was gorgeous and I loved the diversity in the pictures. I plan on adding this one to our library when it's released.

I accessed a digital copy of this title through NetGalley, thank you for an early reading copy!

What a fantastic and inspirational book to read to young girls! This is a modern retelling of the classic nursery rhyme made for modern day readers. This book gives real examples of what girls can do and using their skills to become magnificent. This would be a wonderful gift for any young girl in your life or mothers of girls.

Wonderful inclusive book that let girls know they are strong and capable. I love the this book and the message it sends. Same as Little Boys are made of. Will be in my class room and gifted to my niece

I love that this book goes beyond the stereotypical expectations we put on young girls. It talks about being curious and persistent which is often something society tells girls aren’t valuable. I think this would pair well with the story about little boys. My one complaint is that I wish there was one that isn’t gendered

This is a wonderful book that encourages girls to be exactly who they are. My six year old loved it and the affirmations at the end were particularly lovely.

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

As someone who was once a little girl, I cannot express how important books like this are. I needed books like this when I was a child. Teaching girls that they are so much more than their beauty is important. They can be bold, brave, and adventurous. They can build communities and friendships. This book is so empowering. The artwork was also very cute.

This was a delight to read. The rhyme flowed nicely and the phrasing was very catchy. I enjoyed the different examples that could be inspiring for girls. The illustrations were beautiful and when this book comes out I will be buying a copy for my daughter's shelf.

This book is wonderfully encouraging and inspiring. The text gives real examples of what little girls are capable of and how they can use their skills. The illustrations are beautiful and playful, and they represent a diverse group of girls (ethnicity and ability included!).

As a mother of girls, it is so nice to see examples of strength, determination, and support for others. My girls loved this story, and I think it would make a wonderful gift for anyone.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Kids and NetGalley for an advance reader copy!