Pretty in Purple by Andrea Bower is a heartwarming children’s book about Sophie, a seven-year-old girl who wakes up on her birthday to find a glowing, magical figure named Zoe at the end of her bed. Zoe is Sophie’s spirit guide, here to help her navigate life and see beyond what’s on the surface. As Sophie embarks on a new school year in an unfamiliar place, she quickly learns a valuable lesson about kindness, friendship, and the true meaning of beauty. Through Zoe’s guidance, Sophie discovers that what shines from within is more important than how things look on the outside.

I loved how the book tackled such an important message in a way that felt magical and engaging. The moment Sophie sees Jessica, the new girl in class with her perfect outfit and confident air, it’s easy to understand her insecurities. Sophie immediately assumes Jessica is better just because she looks a certain way. But when Jessica turns out to be mean and manipulative during recess, things shift. Seeing Sophie learn that outer beauty doesn’t equal kindness was such a refreshing moment. And then there’s the whole “aura” concept—Zoe teaching Sophie to see people’s energy was such a unique way to illustrate emotional growth. Jessica’s aura starts dull and gray but brightens as she learns to be kind. It’s such a simple but powerful way to show kids how our actions affect the world around us.

I liked how the book avoided making Jessica a one-note “mean girl.” Instead of just punishing her for her behavior, Sophie reaches out, offering friendship and a lesson in empathy. The moment when Jessica admits she thought looking pretty would make people like her was such a relatable feeling. The story does a fantastic job of showing that true friendships aren’t built on appearances but on how we treat each other. By the end, when Jessica’s aura shines as brightly as Sophie’s, it feels earned. The artwork bursts with bright, vibrant colors that make every page feel magical and full of life. The illustrator does a fantastic job of capturing the characters’ emotions.

Pretty in Purple is a wonderful picture book for young kids who are starting to navigate friendships and self-worth. The magical elements make the message feel fun rather than preachy, and the illustrations help bring the story to life. It’s perfect for kids who might feel unsure about their own worth or who need a reminder that kindness is what truly makes someone beautiful.

Pages: 46 | ISBN : 1779623410