A Little Bit of Everything (Own Voices, Own Stories)

The night Amaya is born, the stars shine brightly, as if they’re welcoming her to this brand-new world. Her parents tell her every night, without fail, that she’s part of them, that she’s a part of something bigger. Her innocence brings her happiness and curiosity of the beauty that surrounds her. She savors her time with Ajji and the way she massages fresh coconut oil into her long, dark hair. Her life becomes a kaleidoscope of experiences and memories. When her baby sister is born, she notices her eyes are “brimming with stardust,” just as hers once were. Now it’s Amaya’s turn to share all the possibilities that abound.

Young girls will especially find this powerful ode to self-discovery and parental love endearing. Each night Amaya’s parents tell her: “You are you and no one else. You are beautiful.” This sweet sentiment helps her grow into a special, thoughtful sister and child. A Little Bit of Everything is full of rich figurative language. “I am the melody in the darkest storm and as courageous as the tallest tree,” Amaya declares as she embraces the outdoors. Additionally, the gorgeous, glossy cover and illustrations add volumes to this genuine story of culture, encouragement, and wonderment.