Birds build nests for homes. / They sing different songs, / and their babies hatch from eggs. / Best of all, / they can fly. / Only a bird knows / how to be a bird." It's not just a bird, but a tree, a dog, fish ... water, the earth ... all of these living things are unique to themselves, and different from one another. They're also different from others like them-other trees, and birds, and fish, and dogs, and cats and ... you get the picture. Young listeners and readers will, too. Every creature is unique, and an expert at being themselves. People are too, of course, even though there are billions of us. "Only I know how to be me. / And only you know how to be you." This affirming message spins out in a gentle, rhythmic narrative paired with cheerful spot and occasional full-page illustrations showing many types of human diversity among the simplified figures of animals and people. Bright white pages form the backdrop for the hand-lettered text and most of the boldly colored art. (Ages 3-7)

All living creatures have a special place in the world in this extraordinary exploration of the concept of self for very young readers.

Only I know how to be me.
Only you know how to be you.

Trees have leaves that turn sunshine into food. Amazing! Birds build nests, sing songs, hatch eggs, and fly. Dogs are our friends and can move their ears to tell us how they feel, while fish live in water, flashing like jewels. As for people, every person on Earth is different, each with their own thoughts and feelings. With a simple narrative and joyful, welcoming illustrations celebrating a world full of remarkable creatures, Mary Murphy reminds little ones that we are all unique, and that we are the only ones who know how to be us.