Let your child fall in love with the one friend who will always be there - themselves.
When I Am With Me is a heartwarming picture book that helps children discover that being alone doesn't mean being lonely - it can mean being at peace, being powerful, and being at home with who they are.
Through gentle rhymes, imaginative illustrations, and uplifting messages of self-worth, Lisa Santiago-Tyler invites young readers into a joyful relationship with their inner selves. The story follows a curly-haired child in a bright orange "ME" shirt who explores the world with curiosity and confidence - from swinging under the sun to twirling beneath the stars - modeling emotional resilience and creative independence.
Children are reminded that:
They are lovable exactly as they are
They can feel joyful and calm even when alone
Their imagination is a powerful tool for happiness
Being "with yourself" is a lifelong superpower
Written and illustrated by Lisa Santiago-Tyler - author, artist, and educator - the book was born from a deep belief that early self-love builds lifelong confidence. The soft, childlike artwork mirrors drawings children might create themselves, making the story feel warm, familiar, and empowering.
Perfect for:
Ages 3-8 learning self-esteem and emotional awareness
Parents, teachers, and therapists encouraging mindfulness and confidence
Storytime, bedtime, or classroom reading
Gifts for birthdays, milestones, or times of transition
Gentle, playful, and affirming, When I Am With Me reminds children - and the adults who love them - that the friendship we build with ourselves is the very first, and most lasting, love story of all.