Who Are We, Really? by Nielle P. Marques tells a sweet and meaningful story about three young tadpoles named Polly, Molly, and Joey who wonder what they’ll grow up to be. They imagine becoming scary sharks or wise old turtles, or maybe something completely different. As they swim around meeting other water creatures, they learn that growing up isn’t just about changing: it’s about being true to who you are. The beautiful images create a magical underwater world where young readers can think about big life questions through small adventures. The story mixes real facts about nature with lessons about growing up, making it both fun and helpful for children to learn about themselves. This imaginative story connects with the natural curiosity that all children have about who they are and who they might become.
Author Nielle P. Marques combines artistic talent with a deep understanding of how children think and feel. I was touched by how she takes big ideas about finding out who you are and explains them in simple ways that children can understand. Her handmade pictures, created with watercolors and paper collages, create a special look that perfectly matches the story’s messages, making each page exciting to explore. She balances fun moments with deeper meanings, which makes the book enjoyable for children while giving parents and teachers good topics to discuss with them. The story moves at a gentle pace with carefully chosen simple words, making it both calming and interesting for young readers. She captures how children wonder about the world while asking big questions about who they are. The characters feel real and relatable, making it easy for children to see themselves in the story. The book creates natural opportunities for conversations between adults and children about identity, change, and staying true to yourself. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend Who Are We, Really? as a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf as it perfectly combines entertainment with gentle wisdom about growing up.
