Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet body-positive book encourages body- and self-love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
The star of HER BODY CAN is a little girl who's super athletic (she comes in first in a race, plays soccer and softball, dances, and skateboards), enjoys playing dress up, shopping, and yoga, and takes pleasure in eating both kale and cake. She also happens to be a little bit fat, with full cheeks, big arms and legs, and a pudgy belly (which she doesn't mind showing if it means she can be cool and comfortable while being active). She's living her best life, having all kinds of childhood fun, and loving her body for all it can do. The ending affirms that if she can do all these things without stressing about the size of her body then so, reader, can you.
Is It Any Good?
This charming book shows young readers the beauty, power, and wisdom of all bodies, especially young bodies that enjoy just about everything from running races to hamming it up for the camera. Her Body Can is a heartfelt ode to body- and self-love. With rhyming text and affirmation-like phrases, it's a pleasure to read aloud and will engage even the youngest readers. The illustrations in soft, soothing hues, reflect the text and also portray the girl's indominable confidence and zest for life.
Some adults may cringe at one unfortunate illustrated spread, where the little girl (who presents as white) is dreaming of traveling the world one day, including to Tokyo, where she imagines herself dressed up in a silk kimono and in full make-up like a Geisha. Aside from this moment, this book is a wonderful way to start early conversations with kids about how to respect, love, and honor one's body.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about all the things the main character does with her body in Her Body Can. What things do you also like to do with your body? What other wonderful things does your body help you do or experience?
How is the little girl's body the same and different than other bodies featured in the book? What does the line, "All bodies are beautiful no matter their size" mean to you?
How do the pictures help you "read" this book? What are some things the illustrations show that words can't communicate?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Liu
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : East 26th Publishing
- Publication date : February 18, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 35
- Available on : Paperback, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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