Miles Is the Boss of His Body

PreS-Gr 2—Using a style reminiscent of Mo Willems's "Knuffle Bunny" books (Hyperion), this empowering title, based on a screenplay, uses cartoon illustrations placed on sepia photographs in an eye-catching display. Miles is excited about celebrating his sixth birthday with his family, but as the day progresses, he gets more and more agitated by the adults who pinch his cheeks, tightly hug him, pat his head, tickle him, and lift him into the air. After putting up with as much as he can take, he angrily explains that he's tired of all the unwanted touching. "I'm six years old and I'm the BOSS OF MY BODY!" Miles yells, before shutting himself in his bedroom. Though he's concerned that he went too far, his relatives praise him for standing up for himself and agree that he is right. This book builds confidence, conveys an important lesson for children and adults, and will be useful in initiating an important discussion.—Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI