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Mary Jo Prado is an author and illustrator, a busy single mom, a loving daughter and a devoted friend. MJ was born and raised in Maryland. Her enthusiasm for children's books began at a very young age. She fondly remembers her parents reading to her and spending summers going to the library. Growing up MJ was a quiet, shy individual. She found writing as a way to express herself and possibly help others.
MJ has written and illustrated several children’s books including her most successful book, Grandma, What is Cancer? Through her own life experiences as a single mom, MJ likes to write books that have a purpose and positive messages for children. She addresses issues such as bullying, family, self-esteem, and even tough issues like cancer and dying.
Visit her website at: mjdaley-prado.webs.com
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
It's Okay To Just Be Me!! by M.J. Daley-Prado is a delightful story book for kids with a good message that teaches them to be happy with their own selves. Lilly has curly hair, but she wants to have straight hair like Sarah Nicole Hubert and be the most popular girl in the class. Though her mother straightens it out for her, it becomes curly after a while. Lilly likes to sing, to be a cheerleader and many other things, and her mother tells her that it is okay to be what she is. It is a beautiful story that teaches kids self acceptance and self love.
Kids will be able to identify with Lilly and her wishes, and her issues of self esteem and jealousy. The illustrations are bright and colorful and they breathe life into the characters and scenes, and take the story forward. Lilly is a lovable character and her apprehensions and fears are something that all kids go through in life while growing up. The book teaches kids that it is fine to just be what they are instead of wanting to be like others. The messages of self acceptance, self esteem and self love have been expressed convincingly by the author. The book makes a good bedtime story for kids and it also makes a good book to be used in classrooms and libraries for read aloud sessions. It can also be used for discussions on self esteem and self acceptance.
