Lovely
“Lovely is different, weird, and wonderful.”
“Lovely,” by Jess Hong examines diverse identities that make us each special and lovely. Hong redefines the term lovely to include more than just one type of beauty.
The reader is invited to find someone to identify with while also considering what it feels like to belong or not belong to a particular group. The message is clear no matter who you are: you are also lovely.
We love the creativity of the illustrations and clever use of opposites to celebrate uniqueness. Together, they flip the stereotypical expectations we might have associated with each of the words in the text. Our personal favorite is the person she describes as sharp.
It is so important to read books like this to children. “Lovely” shows a wide variety of identities in a positive light while also challenging stereotypes. Amazing.
When we read books like this, we are doing more than just helping children to form their own identities. We are also influencing how they feel about who they are and how they feel about people who may be different from them.
All of this is paramount in the positive development of cultural competency and empathy in children (and adults!).
Some things to think about…
What makes you different and lovely?
When you look at yourself and those in your family - what is the same? What is different?
What is the hardest thing about being unique? What makes it awesome?
Activity Idea: Use a camera or create your own pictures about what you find to be lovely. Collect them in a book to share with others.
Activity idea: Tell someone that you think they are lovey. What is their reaction? How does it make you feel to say that?
