EveryBody Has A Body

 

EveryBody Has A Body

Written by Molli Jackson Ehlert and illustrated by Lorian Tu

A Review by Isabelle Cortez

Synopsis

 EveryBody Has A Body, by Molli Jackson Ehlert, is a book that teaches young children that all bodies are valuable, unique and worthy of respect. Through simple inclusive language and diverse illustrations, the book shows people of many skin tones, abilities, sizes, and ways of moving through the world. It emphasizes that there is no single "right" way for a body to look and function. It also highlights everyday activities to showcase that all kinds of bodies can participate meaningfully in life. This book represents body neutrality and encourages young children to accept themselves along with everyone else.

Anti-Bias Elements

Representation of Diverse Body Types

The book shows people with many different body shapes, sizes, and proportions, making it clear that no single type of body is the standard. This helps children see that variety in appearance is normal rather than something to judge or compare. By presenting all bodies doing everyday activities, the story reinforces that everyone deserves respect and belonging, regardless of how they look.

Inclusion of Disabilities and Different Abilities

Characters with disabilities are shown participating in daily life, using wheelchairs, prosthetics, mobility aids, or service animals. Their presence is integrated naturally into scenes, which helps break down stereotypes that people with disabilities are separate or limited. This representation encourages children to understand ability differences as part of the human experience rather than something unusual.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The illustrations include people with a wide range of skin tones, hair textures, and cultural backgrounds. This diversity challenges the bias that any one racial group is the default or “normal.” By showing children and adults of many ethnicities interacting together, the book fosters an understanding that communities are made up of many kinds of people.