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I'm Not.
Evelyn is lots of things. Circus performer. Antarctic explorer. I'm not.
Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they're not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so she's a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend. Robert Weinstock's hilarious illustrations wonderfully complement Pam Smallcomb's simple text, perfect for young children. This sweet depiction of friendship shows—in a completely fresh, original way—that everyone is special.
Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they're not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so she's a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend. Robert Weinstock's hilarious illustrations wonderfully complement Pam Smallcomb's simple text, perfect for young children. This sweet depiction of friendship shows—in a completely fresh, original way—that everyone is special.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published December 28, 2010
5 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
January 16, 2011
Points for: reminding me of George & Martha; not explicitly stating the "message" that friends don't have to have the same strengths; making the narrator's strengths be as compelling as Evelyn's; creative descriptions ("If Evelyn was a car, she would get a speeding ticket. If Evelyn was a book, you'd read her all night under the covers to see what happens next.") Points off for: reminding me of George & Martha...they did the "friends" thing better than anyone.
Also points off for: the message of this book is supposed to be that both girls are awesome and both have different but fabulous strengths. SO why at the end, when the two girls are playing together, are they shown doing only wild-and-crazy "Evelyn" things? For example: In the beginning, Evelyn is playing noisily in a trash can and the narrator is watching with obvious exasperation. At the end, they are both playing noisily in trash cans. Why does the narrator have to conform to Evelyn's idea of fun? Why aren't they shown playing a board game together instead? Also, on the "fashion diva" page, Evelyn announces that sweat bands are "in" and the narrator would clearly rather walk around with a bag over her head than wear them. So why on the last page, is the narrator wearing them? Evelyn says, "Cool wristbands!" but why isn't the narrator just shown as her regular self with her regular hair bow, and why doesn't Evelyn say, "Cool hair bow!"
We're SUPPOSED to understand that both girls are groovy, but the book stacks the deck in Evelyn's favor. Pfft.
Also points off for: the message of this book is supposed to be that both girls are awesome and both have different but fabulous strengths. SO why at the end, when the two girls are playing together, are they shown doing only wild-and-crazy "Evelyn" things? For example: In the beginning, Evelyn is playing noisily in a trash can and the narrator is watching with obvious exasperation. At the end, they are both playing noisily in trash cans. Why does the narrator have to conform to Evelyn's idea of fun? Why aren't they shown playing a board game together instead? Also, on the "fashion diva" page, Evelyn announces that sweat bands are "in" and the narrator would clearly rather walk around with a bag over her head than wear them. So why on the last page, is the narrator wearing them? Evelyn says, "Cool wristbands!" but why isn't the narrator just shown as her regular self with her regular hair bow, and why doesn't Evelyn say, "Cool hair bow!"
We're SUPPOSED to understand that both girls are groovy, but the book stacks the deck in Evelyn's favor. Pfft.
June 30, 2013
If you are going to swipe your lettering style and character design from James Marshall you better do something pretty amazingly creative to make me forget your George and Martha related sins.
November 23, 2018
it's a cute explanation of friendship
February 16, 2011
Evelyn is everything that the narrator is not. Evelyn is not ordinary. She is fast, jumping, fashionable, artistic, and imaginative. Our narrator is not. But when Evelyn slows down, our quiet narrator discovers that there are things that she herself is good at and Evelyn is not. Evelyn cannot spell well; she can’t do karate; she’s scared of the dark. And what Evelyn needs most is a best friend. Now that is something that our narrator definitely IS.
Smallcomb has captured the tension of friendship between an outgoing person and a quieter person. I appreciated that Evelyn is not a pushy person or a bully. Rather she is loud, gregarious and fun. Our narrator could be read as shy or as quiet, which many children will relate to. Smallcomb writes with a clever voice, allowing readers to really experience Evelyn with the wonder and thrill that our narrator feels. Readers will happily take away the lesson that we all have something to offer, whether we are in the spotlight or not.
Weinstock’s illustrations add to the humor of the book. His style is similar to the beloved James Marshall of George and Martha fame. Thanks to the illustrations and writing style, this book has a timeless feel that will welcome young readers.
Highly recommended, this is a perfect addition to friendship units or story times. It will read aloud well and young readers will connect with the characters easily. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
Smallcomb has captured the tension of friendship between an outgoing person and a quieter person. I appreciated that Evelyn is not a pushy person or a bully. Rather she is loud, gregarious and fun. Our narrator could be read as shy or as quiet, which many children will relate to. Smallcomb writes with a clever voice, allowing readers to really experience Evelyn with the wonder and thrill that our narrator feels. Readers will happily take away the lesson that we all have something to offer, whether we are in the spotlight or not.
Weinstock’s illustrations add to the humor of the book. His style is similar to the beloved James Marshall of George and Martha fame. Thanks to the illustrations and writing style, this book has a timeless feel that will welcome young readers.
Highly recommended, this is a perfect addition to friendship units or story times. It will read aloud well and young readers will connect with the characters easily. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
November 17, 2012
A cute children's book based on two friends: what they like about each other and what they don't! "Sometimes I wonder if my friend is from Mars." In the end they both find out they're really very much alike! Something for everyone in the book.
January 24, 2016
Cute but kindof sloppy
July 26, 2017
This story has a sweet message for children who feel lacking when they compare themselves to others. The unnamed alligator (?) narrator feels inadequate compared to her friend Evelyn who is everything she's not. But when Evelyn says what she needs is a best friend who will stick by her side through thick and thin, she realizes that's exactly what she is.
P.S. Watch for the narrator's pet worm in each illustration. It's the cutest part.
P.S. Watch for the narrator's pet worm in each illustration. It's the cutest part.
January 8, 2018
Sometimes it can feel like you're the "boring" friend. Everyone's felt this way now and then, some more than others. You love your friend but they're the vibrant one. The one that seems to have the most creativity, the most energy, the most "glow". But what happens when you realize that your friend feels that way too? And what does it mean when friends feel that way?
These are some fairly heavy questions but I'm Not deals with them beautifully, leaving the readers smiling at the end.
These are some fairly heavy questions but I'm Not deals with them beautifully, leaving the readers smiling at the end.
November 3, 2018
Cute little story about a child critter who feels a bit "less than" in the shadow of their amazing friend Evelyn, who seems talented in just about everything. But as our narrator learns, Evelyn has weaknesses just like everyone else, weaknesses that just happen to be her friend's strengths!
Nice way to illustrate to young ones what makes a wonderful and balanced friendship. My favorite line was "If Evelyn was a book, you'd read her all night under the covers to see what happened next."
Nice way to illustrate to young ones what makes a wonderful and balanced friendship. My favorite line was "If Evelyn was a book, you'd read her all night under the covers to see what happened next."
February 13, 2017
This is a simple text about how, despite their differences, two friends can be exactly what the other one needs. It's presented simply, and easily understood, the perfect book for a primary audience. Very impressive, and plenty humorous.
September 8, 2018
One friend is struggling with all the things her friend is that she's not. Then she starts to discover things she's good at and her friend makes a point of telling her she's the very best friend too.
October 17, 2021
Super sweet book about friendship with adorable drawings.
July 26, 2011
Our narrator thinks that Evelyn is...well, everything. She's good at jumping on the bed. She's good at roller skating. "If Evelyn was a car, she'd get a speeding ticket." She's fast, she's fun, she's darn near perfect. And our nameless narrator starts to feel just a little bit pale in comparison. But then Evelyn proves that she is special: she points out the things our narrator can do well, from karate to spelling to just being a good friend.
The illustrations of the crocodilian girls are reminiscent of the George & Martha books by James Marshall. They are big critters with few details, but playful nonetheless.
This is a nice book for sharing with those kids who are more narrator than Evelyn, and need a boost of encouragement, as well as with those kids who are more Evelyn than narrator, who need to be reminded that other people have something to contribute as well. Fun friendship book.
The illustrations of the crocodilian girls are reminiscent of the George & Martha books by James Marshall. They are big critters with few details, but playful nonetheless.
This is a nice book for sharing with those kids who are more narrator than Evelyn, and need a boost of encouragement, as well as with those kids who are more Evelyn than narrator, who need to be reminded that other people have something to contribute as well. Fun friendship book.
February 16, 2011
Title: I’m Not by Pam Smallcomb & Robert Weinstock
Summary: Two friends; one is many things while the other is not. Either way, they still love one another.
Rating: Maybe/No
Age: 4-6 years
Pros:
The illustrations are charming and detailed. (They are quite reminiscent of James Marshall’s illustrations in the George and Martha books.)
The vulnerability and insecurity of the main characters is believable and some children will easily be able to relate to it.
The final message, that it’s okay to be different, is a powerful and important one for children to be exposed to.
Cons:
This story is based upon a good moral but it’s poorly written. I think children in the target age range would have problems understanding it.
The setting is all over the place, which distracts readers from the moral and tender relationship between the two main characters.
Usage: The book is intended for story time but I would not use it.
Summary: Two friends; one is many things while the other is not. Either way, they still love one another.
Rating: Maybe/No
Age: 4-6 years
Pros:
The illustrations are charming and detailed. (They are quite reminiscent of James Marshall’s illustrations in the George and Martha books.)
The vulnerability and insecurity of the main characters is believable and some children will easily be able to relate to it.
The final message, that it’s okay to be different, is a powerful and important one for children to be exposed to.
Cons:
This story is based upon a good moral but it’s poorly written. I think children in the target age range would have problems understanding it.
The setting is all over the place, which distracts readers from the moral and tender relationship between the two main characters.
Usage: The book is intended for story time but I would not use it.
July 31, 2017
In I'm Not., we have a couple of caricatured "child" dinosaurs (or crocodiles?). In the first half of the story, the unnamed main character bemoans the fact that her friend Evelyn is wonderful at so many things, while the main character herself isn't good at any of them.
The second half, however, switches it up. Evelyn takes the stage to talk about what she isn't good at, and all of the things she mentions happen to be things the main character does well.
It's a nice little story about envy and individuality that adults will likely find it as cute as their kids find it funny.
If you like my reviews, you may want to check out my book blog, Amara's Eden! I'm Not. was reviewed as part of a picture book mini-review round-up that can be read in its entirety here.
The second half, however, switches it up. Evelyn takes the stage to talk about what she isn't good at, and all of the things she mentions happen to be things the main character does well.
It's a nice little story about envy and individuality that adults will likely find it as cute as their kids find it funny.
If you like my reviews, you may want to check out my book blog, Amara's Eden! I'm Not. was reviewed as part of a picture book mini-review round-up that can be read in its entirety here.
April 6, 2011
Two girls who are very different learn that their opposite natures and abilities are actually quite complementary. The “girls” are either dinosaurs or possibly crocodiles/alligators and one of them (never named) is a little bit bummed that her friend, Evelyn, can do so many things so well and is so full of energy. But she starts to appreciate the things that she can do when Evelyn shows that she isn’t good at everything. Most of all each wants someone with whom she can be friends. Kids will be able to identify with both girls and their desire for friendship. Adorable illustrations, messy scenes (especially where Evelyn is involved) make this even more fun.
January 4, 2011
And if you are not interested in lumpy little reptilian friends making art and dressing up and discussing their respective strengths and weaknesses (I am clearly an Evelyn, for I am good at circus arts and terrible at cookies) then for goodness sake do not pick up this colorful, friendly, inventive book. You are not the type of person who needs to know that sweatbands are making a comeback.
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/201...
January 19, 2011
We've all had an "evelyn"...a friend who effortlessly achieves in life while we struggle along. Shared with quirky illustrations of two crocodilian characters, Evelyn's friend realizes that she is able to do some things that Evelyn cannot and that friendship is about being there for each other rather than competing or comparing. This would be a nice book to share with a child who is feeling as if their friends can do everything better as a reminder of their worth.
February 22, 2011
This book made me so happy, so much after having it read to me in a classroom I called my best friend to tell her how much I appreciate her! It teaches students that just because our friends arn't exactly like us dosen't mean we can't be friends. It says "we are friends and are different!" The illustrations are precious and have cute bubble sayings throughout the book. I would recommend this book for young children...maybe 4-8.
April 19, 2011
An adorable alligator (or crocodile)--feels inadequate next to her amazing best friend, until she sees all the things she IS and CAN do. A good one for those who need to look and see that each of us is our own person, with good traits, and that friends complement each other both with what they are and are not. I love the worm most of all. The other animal depictions were pretty cute, too.
Too busy for a storytime book, but fun for a lap-read--especially if my sister read it!
Too busy for a storytime book, but fun for a lap-read--especially if my sister read it!
May 29, 2012
Age: K - 2
"Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they're not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so special: she's a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend and excels in areas where Evelyn does not." Goodreads feature review
"Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they're not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so special: she's a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend and excels in areas where Evelyn does not." Goodreads feature review
September 17, 2012
The narrator of this book is focused on her friend Evelyn, who seems to be everything she is not(hence the refrain, "I'm not"). Soon, however, she discovers that she has strengths that Evelyn doesn't. One thing, however, they are BOTH good at, being a best friend, and at the end of the book, the both shout, "I am!".
A great book to teach young children about the uniqueness of individuals (think kindergarten social studies). K-1
A great book to teach young children about the uniqueness of individuals (think kindergarten social studies). K-1
December 14, 2012
Cute illustrations and overall storyline, but I have to agree with Melissa's review that it's a bummer that the friends aren't shown doing things that both of them enjoy. I think Hello My Name is Bob did that much better which is why I ended up using it in story time instead of this one.
September 6, 2011
I still cannot believe this book wasn't illustrated by James Marshall. The art is remarkably similar, down to the toothy looks the characters give when they're pondering something, the story is more complex than I thought it would be, and less preachy than I Houghton it would be. I'm using this book as one of my first read alouds next September.
May 23, 2011
Some of the lines were very memorable and I really do like books that appreciate and celebrate differences. I think the cover is UGLY and think this nice story of female friendship might not find it's way into some girls hands because it's so unappealing. Just glancing at it I would guess it would be about gross swamp things.
December 28, 2011
The cover for the book intrigued me. It was an interesting book, had a fairly interesting story, but I wasn’t a huge fan. It had weird illustrations, but I could see children liking them and thinking they were entertaining. I might recommend.
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2011...
*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2011...
July 26, 2016
This story warmed my heart! So lovely, so sweet. Perfect for reading at story times, with kids, or just on your own, this is a gorgeously illustrated story about two very different friends who find that they love everything about each other- and it doesn't matter what each one can and cannot do, because they are both good at being great friends.
April 25, 2012
Every kid (young or old) can relate to the message of this little book!
The narrator of the story does not feel she measures up to her friend, Evelyn. Evelyn is great at so many things! However, in the end, Evelyn points out that the narrator is a "one-of-a-kind true blue best friend." Everyone is special!
The narrator of the story does not feel she measures up to her friend, Evelyn. Evelyn is great at so many things! However, in the end, Evelyn points out that the narrator is a "one-of-a-kind true blue best friend." Everyone is special!
September 11, 2013
Absolutely adorable! It's a book that kids will love, I think, on account of the author's seamless shifts from narrative description (a character "made a statue of Mr. Milton from old bubble gum," for example) to absolutely delightful turns of phrase ("If Evelyn was a car, she would get a speeding ticket.").
January 18, 2011
A very sweet story about friends. Friends who are different but complement each other. How each friend has different strengths. A message but not one that beats you over the head. Would make a good gift for your own Evelyn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews