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Be You

By Cindy Jill Shortt

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Overview


Be You isn't just a children's book. It's a message that we all need to hear.

Be You is an invitation for children to be exactly who they are: silly or serious, bold or gentle, shy or spirited. In a world that often asks kids to change themselves to fit in, this book creates space for feelings, individuality, and self-acceptance. More than a bedtime story, Be You is a shared moment between adult and child, reminding us that authenticity matters. It offers the words children most need to hear and adults most need to remember.

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Description


Be You is a warmhearted celebration for every child who has ever been told to be more, be less, or be different. With gentle, affirming language, this book gives young readers something rare and precious: full permission to show up as themselves.

Page by page, children are invited to honor their whole self—their feelings, their quirks, their unique way of moving through the world. More than a story, Be You builds the emotional foundations children carry for life: self-trust, self-expression, and the unshakeable belief that who they are is enough.

Perfect for:

  • Bedtime reading and nightly connection rituals
  • Morning grounding routines to start the day with confidence
  • Classroom discussions around emotional literacy and identity
  • Any moment a child needs a gentle reminder that they belong—just as they are

Parents, caregivers, and educators will find that reading Be You aloud naturally opens conversations about feelings, confidence, and identity—the kind of conversations children need most and remember longest.

Ages 3–8 | Great for home, school, and gift-giving

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About The Author


Cindy Jill Shortt, LPCC, is a clinical therapist, trauma specialist, and former school-based counselor with more than twenty-five years of experience supporting children, families, and system-impacted communities. Her work blends evidence-based practices with a deeply humane understanding of what it means to grow, heal, and belong. Throughout her career, Cindy has helped thousands of children and adults build emotional literacy, reclaim their voices, and trust their inherent worth. She has designed community programs, trained peer-support specialists, facilitated groups for youth and adults, and guided people through some of the most tender chapters of their lives. Cindy is also an artist and the creator of the Be You project, integrating therapeutic wisdom with creative expression to help people reconnect with their inner child and sense of self. She holds a core belief that every part of us, whether messy, tender, or beautifully aligned, belongs. There isn't one right way to be in this world, only the way that feels true. She lives in California, is the mother of two grown sons she adores, and continues to weave together clinical insight, artistry, and heart in everything she creates.
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Book details

  • Genre:children's fiction
  • Sub-genre:Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings
  • Age Range (years):1 - 12
  • Language:English
  • Pages:28
  • Hardcover ISBN:9798994052105

Book Reviews

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LATICIA
So powerful and sweet! Be You is a really special book to remind you of your innate power within. Although it was made for children in mind, I think it’s such a great gift for adults too — a sweet reminder to be you and get back to our authentic self. I’ve gifted this book twice and will definitely be ordering more. I love it so much. Read more