Children's Book Review: *I'm Not* by Pam Smallcomb

• I’m Not. written by Pam Smallcomb; illustrated by Robert Weinstock
• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (December 28, 2010)
• ISBN-13: 978-0375861154

Back-of-the-book blurb: A book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they’re not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so special: she’s a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend. This sweet depiction of friendship shows—in a completely fresh, original way—that everyone is special.

She Is Too Fond of Books’ review: I’m Not shows children that a true friendship isn’t a contest of superlative talents (the best, the fastest, the funniest); rather, friendship is a combination of similarities and differences that allow people (or, in this case, crocodiles) to complement and enjoy each other’s talents.

In this tale, the unnamed narrator lists the the things that her friend, Evelyn, is good at, but “I’m not” she says.  About mid-way through, the pattern changes:

Evelyn sits down next to me.

She says, I’m stinky at spelling.”

I’m not.

“I’m crummy at karate.”

I’m not.

“I’m scared of the dark.”

I’m not.

…

Evelyn says that what she needs most is a best friend … A true-blue friend.

Evelyn sighs. “Is there anyone in the whole wide world like that?”

“I am!  I am!  I am!” exclaims our unnamed narrator, realizing that she and Evelyn don’t have to be the same to be the very best of friends.

We (my 6- and 8-year-old readers) and I really appreciate the message in I’m Not; I’ve even had the opportunity to remind them of the message in the past few weeks, when they’ve grown frustrated about a skill they lack, or when they show an unnecessary competitive streak.  Pam Smallcomb’s simple text, with its refrain of “I’m not” is just right for new and emerging readers.  Robert Weinstock’s illustrations had us laughing with their fine details and wonderful expressive body language.

I have to mention one grammar gripe – my husband says I’m too picky, but our 8-year-old noticed it, too.  Twice the author uses a phrase contrary to fact (“If Evelyn was a car” and “If Evelyn was a book”).  I bit my tongue when reading aloud, but LW8 asked “shouldn’t that say If Evelyn were …?”  Yes, little grammar girl, I believe the subjunctive should have been used there.  Not a reason to keep us from enjoying I’m Not, and a good lesson in itself – to accept our books, our friends, and ourselves, even when we fall short of that superlative bar.