cover image I Like Me!

I Like Me!

Nancy Carlson. Viking Children's Books, $16.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-670-82062-7

The ebullient pig-heroine is a happy adherent to the adage ``Love Thyself.'' ``I like me!'' she exclaims from the cover and goes on to say, ``I like my curly tail, my round tummy and my tiny little feet.'' The fresh-faced piggy elaborates: she always treats herself with respect by keeping herself clean, eating good food and exercising properly. She takes care of other important needs, too, drawing lovely pictures, reading good books and cheering herself up when she's feeling down. Never too hard on herself for failures, she points out that when she makes mistakes, she tries again. The formation of a healthy self-image, the cornerstone of a happy and successful life, is what this book is all about. Bright, colorful pictures complement the bouncy, upbeat text; Carlson skillfully imparts a positive message without denying that life holds embarrassingeven sadmoments. The book and its heroine are loaded with appeal. Ages 2-6. (August)