This book was such a lovely surprise. I am always on the hunt for children's books that celebrate individuals as they are and inclusivity of all. Just like Queen Esther achieves those goals. We meet Atara, who loves to wear her crown, but realizes that she doesn't need it to be herself, even if it's fun. I don't generally buy religious-based books, but this would be an exception.

Thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

First off, I would like to thank NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

'Just Like Queen Esther' by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky is a beautifully illustrated children's book that talks open mindedly about young transgender children and their feelings and worries. This LGBTQIAP+ book would be a great addition to any young library and who doesn't love a pretty crown? 👑

If I had this I would put it in my little studio library for children.

I think the authors did a pretty good job of presenting the challenge a lot of children go through - finding themselves and finding the confidence they need. It doesn't even have to be gender-related, but I think every single one of us has at least once in our early years struggled with where our place was (whether it was trying to figure out what we wanted to do or who we wanted to be).
The illustrations are also gorgeous and I love the idea of kids creating their own crown in the end.

Just Like Queen Esther by Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky is a meaningful story about Atara and the crown that makes her feel safe and special. Atara is given the role of Queen Esther in a play and learns that her confidence comes from within, with or without her crown.

I love the message of this book and am grateful to NetGalley for the ARC.

A quick sory about a child who loves wearing a crown, then Mom tells her about Queen Esther, and the story blends both the story of Purim and how you can feel regal and like royalty even if you forget to wear your crown. So, a little bit about Purim and a little bit about self esteem and it makes for a pleasant holiday read.

Genesis 1:26-28
And God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them; and God said unto them: ‘Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that creepeth upon the earth.’ (Tanakh, Jewish Publication Society, 1917 - in the public domain)

It is a sad commentary on the times we live in that a respected, renowned rabbi such as Kerry Olitzky (whose valuable resources about Jewish history and Judaism in general we have owned for decades) would allow his name to be on a book such as this. The plot also makes a mockery of the real Queen Esther's risk to stand for G-d and truth. Parents: beware.

This is not to deny the need for compassion for those who struggle with gender issues, but merely to express the importance of aligning our views with biblical truth.

Esther 9:26-28
Wherefore they called these days Purim, after the name of pur. Therefore because of all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and that which had come unto them, the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to the writing thereof, and according to the appointed time thereof, every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed. (Tanakh, Jewish Publication Society, 1917 - in the public domain)

I have never read a religious book with a trans main character, so this was a first for me. I loved the inclusion! I am not a religious person and tend not to buy religious-based books for that reason, but this one is absolutely an exception and I will be buying it for my children.

I liked the illustrations and thought the colour player used worked well with the yellow tone of the pages.

I thought the make your own crown at the end was a really cute addition.

I thought that this was a really great book that is a must for any school library!

I loved the approach that the author took with this story and to link the main character of Atara to Queen Esther, a strong Jewish heroine. The book has strong messages about inclusion, being who you are and beliefs as well as being one that has a positive message regarding LGBT too as well as the cultural story - it is a great mix.

Atara is a little girl who was born a boy - Atara wears the crown everywhere and it helps her with her feelings - it helps her to realise who she is and ultimately that she doesn't need the crown to be a girl - it is a very positive and strong message about self-worth.

I really liked the illustrations in the book as they bring the story to life. The book is well laid out, has nice clear text and it looks perfect. I loved the addition on the crown at the end of the book so that the reader can have their own crown to show their personality in the spirit of Queen Esther.

The story should be one that resonates with all children and it can be used to discuss feelings and as a starting point for any sensitive discussions too.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

I really enjoyed the message of this book that gender affirming items like our clothes, toys, and a crown can bring us comfort, they are not required in order for us to be who we are. Atara is a girl with or without her crown.

I also enjoyed finding a children's book with Jewish and LGBTQ representation. It's important that children from all traditions and walks of life get to see themselves represented in stories.

I would have liked more illustrations to go along with the story. It was a bit wordy at times, but that could just mean it's for an older age group than I'm used to reading to.

This was such a lovely book! Just like Queen Esther is an inclusive and sweet story about a little girl named Atara who finds a lot in common with the Biblical character of Esther. In order to represent her identity, Atara decides to wear the crown of Esther everywhere and has some interesting adventures. In the end, Atara realizes something important about herself and who she is - that her worth comes from within and nothing externally can change that truth. I think this was a beautiful story that will resonate with Jewish children, gender non-conforming kids, and all kids in general would benefit from the lessons provided. There is a fun printable crown at the end so kids can print their own crown to decorate and wear, in order to embody the spirit of Queen Esther.

A huge thank you to the authors, Ari Moffic and Kerry Olitzky, the illustrator, Rena Yehuda Newman, the publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review a digital copy of this children's picture book, Just Like Queen Esther! I will share my review on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble upon release. The overall story is moving and the illustrations are very eye-catching and playful.

In short, this is a cute Purim holiday story with diverse character representation, a touching story, and cute illustrations! Would recommend!