Why Am I Here? A Child's Book About Purpose

By: Naomi V. Dunsen-White
Illustrated by: Megan D. Rizzo
Publisher: Valley Publishing Company
Publication Date: November 1, 2021
Reviewed by: Holly Conners
Review Date: March 31, 2022

A question most children will ask at some point in their young lives – why am I here? – is answered beautifully in author Naomi V. Dunsen-White’s newest book, Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose.

The story opens with a young girl sitting at her window and wondering:

Why am I here?
Where should I go?
I have a feeling that somebody knows.

Sometimes I sit and I think about me.
I let my imagination go wild, go free!

The young girl continues to wonder and imagine all sorts of things that she could do. She closes her eyes and imagines stunning colors and bright stars shinning at night. She also sees herself strong as a lion, small as a bee, and even riding an elephant. She goes on to imagine all sorts of amazing things, things she will do, or things she might be when she grows up. What an awesome adventure her life will be!

Next we meet a young boy who is thinking about being an astronaut or chef, or maybe a judge or scientist. Through the child, the reader is asked,

So why am I here?
Where will I go?

I am here to dream, to learn and grow.
I will go places near, far and wide.
I have a purpose deep down inside.

Turn the page and we meet a variety of children, and each, we learn, has a special purpose. People may dress differently, have different skin colors or customs, but we all have a purpose and if we try, we can achieve what we dream about. And while there may be people who want to stop our dreams, we have to keep trying and not let them slow us down. “There are blessings in store for you and for me.”

The author has written a book that does an excellent job of presenting an inspiring, up-beat story that will give children the positive boost of self-esteem they need to go on and achieve great things. The text is presented in rhyme, which flows nicely and keeps the story moving along quickly while the lovely, bright artwork really dresses up each page. Messages of “peace,” “purpose,” “diversity matters,” and “support one another” are some of the ideas that are presented on a two-page spread by a group of adorable children, all different, all happy and loving, that sum up the story perfectly. At the back of the book there are two pages of questions about the story to help children think further about all the things that are possible. With such a positive message, how can a child not be inspired?

Quill says: A positive, uplifting book with a wonderful message every child should hear – add this book to your child’s bedtime reading list.

For more information on Why Am I Here? A Child's Book About Purpose, please visit the author's website at: NaomiBooks.com