“I believe that children’s books are more than just stories—they are tools for growth, helping kids understand themselves and the world around them.”
– Azizi Tuere
As a homeschool mother to two daughters and a global citizen, Azizi’s unique perspective is shaped by her family’s nomadic lifestyle, having lived in various countries, including Norway and Mexico. This cross-cultural lens enriches her stories with themes of self-discovery that resonate universally. Azizi’s work extends beyond books—she mentors parents on raising resilient children and leads a plant-based cooking program that emphasizes holistic family bonding.
TWB: Can you share the inspiration behind your book “I’m Beautiful Because I Am”? What motivated you to focus on themes of self-worth and empathy in this story?
AT: You know, one day I started noticing very young girls, some just starting to notice their reflection, others already comparing themselves to friends. And I thought, “What age did this happen? When did they start doubting their worth?” It was like watching little flowers start to wilt before they’d even fully bloomed. That’s when I knew I had to do something.
“I’m Beautiful Because I Am” came from this deep, almost primal need to protect our kids from the onslaught of messages telling them they’re not enough. I wanted to create a shield of self-love, something that could withstand the storms of doubt they’ll face as they grow. It’s not just a book – it’s a love letter to every child who’s ever wondered if they’re enough.
TWB: Your book has been compared to the works of Dr. Seuss and Nancy Tillman. How do these comparisons resonate with you, and how have these authors influenced your storytelling?
AT: Oh my goodness, hearing those comparisons nearly knocked me off my feet! You know, as a kid, I could recite Dr. Seuss books by heart before I could even read. The way he played with words, made them dance and sing – it was pure magic. And Nancy Tillman? Her ability to speak straight to a child’s heart is something I aspire to every day.
These authors showed me that big, important messages can be wrapped in the coziest, most approachable packages. They don’t talk down to kids – they elevate them. That’s what I’m striving for with “I’m Beautiful Because I Am” and the whole series. I want these books to be like old friends that kids return to again and again, finding new layers of meaning as they grow.
TWB: “I’m Beautiful Because I Am” recently won the BREW Children’s Book Excellence Award 2024. What does this recognition mean to you, and how do you think it will impact your future work?
AT: Winning this award felt like the universe giving me a big, warm hug and whispering, “You’re on the right track, keep going.” It’s not just about the recognition, though that’s incredible. It’s about knowing that these messages of self-worth and empathy are resonating beyond my own little circle.
But here’s the thing – with this award comes responsibility. It’s like the universe is also saying, “Okay, you’ve got people’s attention. What are you going to do with it?” So for me, this award is fuel. It’s pushing me to dig deeper, to explore more ways to empower our kids through stories. Because if these words can touch one child’s heart, just imagine what we could do if we could reach every child. That’s the dream I’m chasing now.
TWB: In your opinion, what role does children’s literature play in shaping a child’s understanding of self-worth and empathy? How do you hope your book contributes to this?
AT: Children’s books are like secret weapons in the battle for our kids’ hearts and minds. They’re often the first place, outside of family, where kids encounter big ideas about who they are and how to treat others. These stories can be lifelines, especially when the world starts sending those “you’re not enough” messages.
With “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” I wanted to create a mirror that shows kids their inherent worth – not based on looks or grades or anything external, but simply because they exist. And at the same time, I wanted it to be a window, helping them see and appreciate the beauty in others. It’s about planting seeds of self-love and empathy that can grow and flourish as they do.
My hope is that this book becomes a touchstone, something kids and parents return to whenever they need a reminder of their inherent worth. Because let’s face it, we all need that reminder sometimes, don’t we?
TWB: As both the author and illustrator of “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” how do you balance storytelling with the visual aspects of the book? What challenges and rewards come with wearing both hats?
AT: Balancing the writing and illustrating is like conducting a duet between words and pictures. Sometimes the words lead, sometimes the images take center stage. The challenge is making sure they’re always in harmony, each enhancing the other.
There were moments when I’d write something and think, “How on earth am I going to illustrate that?” And other times when an image would pop into my head, demanding a story to go with it. It’s a constant dance between the two.
The biggest challenge? Probably my own perfectionism. I redid the illustrations five times before my daughters (my toughest critics) gave their approval. But that process, as exhausting as it was, ensured that every page speaks to both kids and the adults reading to them.
The reward? Those moments when a child points to a page and says, “That’s me!” or when a parent tells me they got choked up reading it. That’s when I know the words and pictures have come together to create something truly special.
TWB: You describe your books as tools for growth, not just stories. How do you encourage parents and educators to use your books in fostering emotional intelligence and social skills in children?
AT: I always say these books are conversation starters, not enders. At the back of each book, there are prompts and questions designed to keep the dialogue going long after the last page is turned. But I encourage parents and teachers to go beyond those too – to use the books as springboards for deeper discussions.
For example, after reading “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” you might ask your child to name three things they love about themselves that have nothing to do with how they look. Or you could make it a family activity – each person shares something beautiful they see in everyone else.
The key is making it interactive and personal. These aren’t lectures – they’re explorations. We’re giving kids tools to understand and express their emotions, to see the value in themselves and others. And the beautiful thing is, as we guide our children through these conversations, we often find ourselves growing too.
TWB: Beyond writing, you’re also involved in initiatives like “Tiny Green Chef” and parent leadership coaching. How do these activities complement your work as an author, and how do they influence the themes in your books?
AT: You know, at first glance, these might seem like separate paths. But for me, they’re all branches of the same tree – nurturing healthy, confident kids who can thrive in this complex world.
Tiny Green Chef is all about empowering kids in the kitchen, teaching them about nutrition and where food comes from. And what I’ve found is that cooking together opens up incredible opportunities for connection and conversation. It’s a natural place to practice patience, creativity, and pride in one’s efforts – all themes that show up in my books.
As for parent leadership coaching, it keeps me deeply connected to the real challenges families face every day. It informs the themes I explore in my books and helps me create stories that resonate with both kids and parents.
All of these experiences feed into my writing, ensuring that my books aren’t just feel-good stories, but practical tools for growth and connection. They’re all part of my mission to raise a generation of kids who are emotionally intelligent, self-assured, and kind.
TWB: How do you approach the topic of diversity in your books? What messages do you hope to convey to young readers about appreciating uniqueness in themselves and others?
AT: Diversity in my books isn’t just about representing different faces – it’s about celebrating the many ways beauty and worth can manifest. I want kids to see that our differences are what make the world vibrant and exciting.
In “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” we explore beauty in kindness, in creativity, in the way we treat others. The message is clear: you’re not beautiful despite your differences, you’re beautiful because of them.
I hope young readers come away understanding that diversity isn’t just something to tolerate – it’s something to celebrate. That by appreciating the uniqueness in others, we learn to value our own special qualities too.
It’s about laying the groundwork for a world where kids don’t just accept differences, but actively seek them out, knowing that every person they meet has something valuable to teach them.
TWB: Your stories often include interactive elements and activities. Can you share some of the interactive components in “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” and how they enhance the reading experience?
AT: Absolutely! One of my favorite interactive elements in “I’m Beautiful Because I Am” is the mirror moment on pages 3-4. It’s not just about seeing their reflection; it’s an invitation for children to look beyond the surface and start questioning what truly makes them beautiful.
Then there’s the adventure aspect. As the child character goes on a journey to discover their beauty, young readers are encouraged to do the same. They can relate to experiences like planting seeds, chasing butterflies, or drawing rainbows. These aren’t just activities in a book; they’re invitations for children to explore their own world and recognize the beauty in their actions and experiences.
The book concludes with suggestions for caregivers, turning the reading experience into an ongoing dialogue. Activities like crafting personal “I am beautiful because…” statements or turning book activities into real-life adventures extend the impact of the story far beyond its pages.
These interactive elements transform the book from a passive reading experience into an active exploration of self-worth. I’ve had parents tell me that these activities opened up conversations they’d been wanting to have with their children but didn’t know how to start. That’s the power of interactive storytelling – it creates shared experiences and deepens connections between children and their caregivers.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the “Because I Am” series? Are there any new themes or topics you’re excited to explore in future books?
I’m currently working on a new series called “Playground Parables” that dives even deeper into the social-emotional challenges children face every day.This new series explores themes that are universal to the childhood experience – things like the temptation to boast when we’re right, the struggle with perceived unfairness, the fear of opening up to others, and learning the difference between humor that hurts and humor that heals. Each book features a unique character that embodies a common childhood struggle, bringing these complex emotions to life in a relatable way.
My goal with both the “Because I Am” series and “Playground Parables” is to create a comprehensive emotional toolkit for children. I want to help them navigate the playground of life with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
So, while “Because I Am” laid the foundation of self-worth, “Playground Parables” will help children apply that self-worth in their daily interactions. It’s about taking those big concepts of self-love and translating them into real-world kindness, understanding, and connection.
Stay tuned, because this journey is just beginning, and I’d love for families everywhere to be part of it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When kids feel confident and connected to their emotions, they can achieve amazing things, and that’s what I hope my books inspire.”
– Azizi Tuere
Useful Links
For more information about Azizi Tuere and her “Because I Am…” series, email azizi@inherwild.com or visit azizituere.com.
Know more about the BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards here
Share Your Insights
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the insights shared by Azizi Tuere.
- How do you foster self-worth in your children or those around you?
- Have you used storytelling to help kids better understand themselves?
- What role do you think cross-cultural experiences play in shaping empathy in young minds?
Share your reflections in the comments!
Alignment with the UN SDGs
Azizi Tuere’s work and insights resonate deeply with several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on education, gender equality, and emotional well-being. Here’s how her contributions align with specific SDGs:
1. Quality Education (SDG 4)
Azizi emphasizes the importance of children’s literature as a medium for growth and understanding. Her books, particularly “I’m Beautiful Because I Am,” serve as educational tools that teach self-worth and empathy, contributing to an inclusive and equitable quality education. By providing resources that encourage emotional intelligence, she supports children’s cognitive and emotional development.
2. Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Through her work, Azizi addresses issues of self-worth and confidence, particularly among young girls who may struggle with societal pressures about beauty and value. Her focus on nurturing self-esteem helps combat gender stereotypes and promotes gender equality by encouraging girls to appreciate their unique qualities.
3. Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
Azizi’s commitment to diversity in her stories aims to break down barriers and reduce inequalities. By celebrating the beauty in differences and promoting inclusivity, her work helps foster a more equitable society where every child can see themselves reflected in literature, thus encouraging acceptance and understanding across cultures.
4. Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3)
Emotional health is a crucial component of overall well-being. Azizi’s initiatives, including mentoring and interactive storytelling, aim to build resilience and emotional intelligence in children, contributing to their mental health. By encouraging self-love and empathy, she is promoting a healthy mindset that can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being.
5. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
By teaching children to appreciate diversity and fostering a sense of community through her books, Azizi contributes to building sustainable and inclusive communities. Her holistic approach in programs like Tiny Green Chef also encourages family bonding and community connection, which are essential for creating vibrant, sustainable environments.
6. Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
Azizi’s work as a mentor and educator showcases the importance of collaboration in achieving the SDGs. Her engagement with parents and educators promotes a collective effort toward emotional and social development in children, embodying the spirit of partnership for common goals.
In summary, Azizi Tuere’s dedication to fostering self-worth and empathy through storytelling not only enhances the lives of children but also aligns seamlessly with the broader objectives of the UN SDGs, highlighting the transformative power of literature in building a more equitable and compassionate world.
Other Highlights
Looking for something?
Type in your keyword(s) below and click the “Search” button.
Helpful Shortcuts
More Stories
Print and Digital Magazine
Don’t just read about greatness. Own it!
About Us
The World’s Best Magazine is a print and online publication that highlights the extraordinary. It is your passport to a universe where brilliance knows no bounds. Celebrating outstanding achievements in various fields and industries, we curate and showcase the exceptional, groundbreaking, and culturally significant. Our premier laurels, The World’s Best Awards, commend excellence through a unique process involving subject matter experts and a worldwide audience vote. Explore with us the pinnacle of human achievement and its intersection with diversity, innovation, creativity, and sustainability.
We recognise and honour the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our main office is situated. We extend our deepest respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture, and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders from all communities who also reside and work on this land.
Disclaimer: The World’s Best does not provide any form of professional advice. All views and opinions expressed in each post are the contributor’s own. Whereas we implement editorial policies and aim for content accuracy, the details shared on our platforms are intended for informational purposes only. We recommend evaluating each third-party link or site independently, as we cannot be held responsible for any results from their use. In all cases and with no exceptions, you are expected to conduct your own research and seek professional assistance as necessary prior to making any financial, medical, personal, business, or life-changing decisions arising from any content published on this site. All brands and trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. Your continued use of our site means you agree with all of these and our other site policies, terms, and conditions. For more details, please refer to the links below.
About | Advertise | Awards | Blogs | Contact | Disclaimer | Submissions | Subscribe | Privacy | Publications | Terms | Winners
The World’s Best: A Magazine That’s All About What’s Great | theworldsbestmagazine.com | Copyright ⓒ 2022-2025
Let’s connect
Discover more from The World's Best
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
The World's Best 
I can’t celebrate this enough. As unrealistic beauty standards and diet culture become more pervasive, we need to empower our children to realize that they are beautiful just as they are. We also need, in my opinion, to move the focus away from physical beauty and into other abilities and qualities. Kudos!
LikeLiked by 1 person