Perfectly Imperfectly YOU by Jamie James
The drive for perfectionism is something all of us have faced, and children are no exception to the rule. Social norms play a huge role in kids’ lives, from the school to the playground and even in online spaces. But fitting in is a lot easier said than done, and often comes at the cost of children embracing their authentic selves. The question is, how do you assure your little one that being ‘outside the norm’ is perfectly normal?
Author Jamie James has the answer in the charming and empowering story Perfectly Imperfectly YOU. This story in verse encourages children to see the value in their unique quirks. Those “imperfections,” regardless of what others may say, are what makes them special! We got a chance to chat about what goes into crafting a meaningful children’s book, as well as what the author feels is perfectly imperfect about herself.
Q: What inspired the tale of Perfectly Imperfectly YOU?
A: I feel we’ve lost our way. That if one has certain preferences, they’re encouraged to change, to fit in, to categorically align. I love to share the message to be YOU! The right people will come into your life and will appreciate you for YOU.
Q: This isn’t your first kid lit book — in fact, you have a whole shelf of them! Could you tell us about some of the other children’s books you’ve written?
A: A couple faves are What is Love and Your Body. What is Love is to remind us that love is different for everyone. Love doesn’t need to fit in to the societal boxes and it’s given from smiles to puppy kisses. Your Body is a reminder that our vessel we take for granted is pretty amazing! From the top to bottom, there’s much to be impressed by.
Q: What exactly goes into writing children’s book, especially one that rhymes?
A: I appreciate simplicity as an adult, and our children need it. Making some rhymes makes it fun. I take a thought and turn it into a message using synonyms to add the rhyme.
Q: What is it about the sentiment of “just be you” that is so important for children to understand?
A: Now more than ever, there is mounting pressure for our children to conform. Social media puts complicated messages of how to act if you want to be “this” or “that” and how to change it. Most of these messages are to change something physically. We should be teaching our children core values of growth, independent thought and acceptance vs. how to change our bodies to fit in.
Q: While this is a book intended for children, the message is very relatable to readers of every age! What’s your advice for anyone feeling like they don’t fit in?
A: You know, the messages we teach our children are what we’ve learned with growth turned wisdom. We all get caught up in things like not looking our age or standing out because we’re different. Just as in childhood, the right people will come and stay. So dance — because if you don’t risk being you, you’ll miss the joy that comes from it as well.
Q: What’s a perfectly imperfect fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
A: I’m very passionate. In many ways. From feeling deep emotion to saying what I feel. It’s either rather off-putting or embraced by others learning to be themselves. I’ve learned that those who care aren’t my people and their reactions are ok and not a reflection of me. Oh, and my big feet. 🙂
In grade school, Jamie James dabbled in writing. Although her rural Ohio roots didn’t create an environment to encourage her talent, they did teach her work ethic. Through that work ethic she landed in mortgage lending for twenty years. Upon moving to the Atlanta area in 2012, she settled down and had two children. Through her deep love and commitment to give her children what her childhood didn’t have, she wrote some stories. Stories that would not only be easy to read but containing simple understanding to help children through their questions and concerns. Not only did she herself fall in love with writing, she saw the beautiful emotion and reactions from children close to her. Jamie’s passion is once again shown through this reignited fire.
Publish Date: October 12, 2022
Genre: Children’s Books
Author: Jamie James
Page Count: 26 pages
ISBN: 9798986507323