This post is sponsored by Amplify Publishing Group. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
I am NOT Sophie!
Written by Robyn Hodess
Illustrated by Terry Kole
Ages: 0-3 | 14 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids! (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383838
Publisher’s Book Summary: Sophie is a little girl with a BIG imagination! Every day, she wakes up and decides to be a different animal. On Sunday, she pounces and roars through the house like a tiger. On Monday, she stomps and trumpets like a mighty elephant. Throughout the week, she is a slithering snake, a bouncy monkey, and even a scary alligator! By the end of the week, Sophie discovers that being herself is the best adventure of all.
Filled with playful illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, I am NOT Sophie! encourages young readers to embrace their own unique magic—because sometimes, being YOU is the most wonderful thing of all!
Guest Post
“I am NOT Sophie: Dreaming, Pretending, and Being Yourself”
Sometimes the most magical ideas come when we least expect them—like in a dream. That’s how the story of I Am Not Sophie was born: out of the quiet, whimsical corners of sleep came a little girl with a wild imagination who danced from one identity to another, exploring what it means to be herself.
At its heart, I Am Not Sophie is a picture book filled with color, play, and love. It follows the imaginative journey of a four-year-old girl named Sophie who wakes up each morning and decides, quite confidently, that she is not Sophie. Not today.
Monday, Sophie is an elephant. She dresses in gray sweats and a long sock for a trunk. She stomps and trumpets all day long. On Tuesday, she’s a snake. On Wednesday, a monkey. Each day brings new transformation: a new animal, a new color, and a new layer of personality that Sophie tries on like a costume.
And every day, her mother plays along, never once saying, “But you’re Sophie.” She doesn’t rush Sophie back to reality or correct her fantasy. Instead, she meets her daughter where she is, fully engaged in her world of make-believe.
This gentle, nurturing dynamic between mother and child is what makes I Am Not Sophie resonate so deeply. It’s not just a book about imagination—it’s a story about acceptance.
In a culture where children are often nudged to grow up too quickly, I Am Not Sophie slows everything down and honors the incredible power of pretend play. It reminds us that identity isn’t fixed or final, especially in childhood. Kids explore the world by becoming it—through animals, superheroes, or even invisible friends. This kind of play isn’t frivolous; it’s foundational. It’s how children process emotions, build empathy, and begin to understand themselves.
Each page in the book is beautifully illustrated in Sophie’s world. With bold, vibrant hues, this book gently introduces young readers to the basics of color recognition.
It also teaches the days of the week. As the story moves from Sunday to Saturday, readers follow Sophie through her imaginative evolution. Each animal she becomes marks a new day and a new opportunity for self-expression. It’s a simple but effective way to naturally build early literacy skills.
But what really makes the book shine is the emotional arc.
By the time Saturday rolls around, Sophie is standing on her bed with her mom, surrounded by a feather boa, strips of tape, pool tubes, and all her stuffed animal friends from all her make-believe adventures. She looks at her mom and declares, “I am Sophie!”
And that moment is everything. She doesn’t stop pretending; she embodies all those characters. She pounces, roars, stomps, trumpets, slithers, hisses, bounces, chatters, flitters, chirps, crawls and chomps – because that is Sophie.
This ending offers a subtle but powerful lesson: Children need the freedom to explore all the “could-bes” of who they are to eventually feel safe and proud of the “I am.” It tells them identity isn’t fixed; it’s about exploring until something feels right.
And most importantly, it sends a message to parents, caregivers, and educators: unconditional acceptance is the soil where confidence grows. Sophie’s mother never pushed her to be “just Sophie,” but by accepting each version of her child, she helped Sophie arrive there on her own. It’s a quiet, beautiful reminder of the power of presence and permission.
In a world that often rushes children to conform, I Am Not Sophie stands as a tender resistance. It invites us to slow down, to listen, to play, and to believe in the inner world of a child. It’s a celebration of imagination, a tribute to loving parenting, and a gentle primer in identity, days, and colors.
Whether read at bedtime, circle time, or curled up on the couch on a rainy afternoon, I Am Not Sophie is a story that will linger in hearts—of both children and adults—long after the final page is turned.
Additional Suggested Reading to Build Confidence:
My hope for I Am NOT Sophie! is that it helps young readers, feel confident and proud of who they are so that they can foster self-esteem and individuality at this important stage, I’ve have put together a list of other picture books that build self-confidence and encourage children to be themselves.
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
A gentle story about a girl who discovers the power of her own creativity, starting with a single dot.
- I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
A joyful, rhyming book celebrating self-acceptance and individuality—with vibrant, silly illustrations kids love. - Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima
A charming story about fitting in, being different, and finding your place—perfect for sparking imagination and confidence. - What If… by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Mike Curato
An inspiring ode to creativity and resilience, showing that even if everything is taken away, imagination always remains. - The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
A beautifully illustrated book that encourages children to dream big and believe in all they can become. - I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
An empowering affirmation of self-worth and confidence, emphasizing kindness, respect, and self-love.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robyn Hodess is a lifelong creative with a passion for storytelling through art. For over thirty-five years, she has worked across all mediums, from graphic design and botanical illustration to painting and encaustic. While raising her three daughters—Erin, Hannah, and Sophie—as a stay-at-home mom, she infused creativity into everyday life, finding inspiration in the wonder and imagination of childhood. Now, she is bringing that same passion to the world of children’s books, crafting stories that spark curiosity, joy, and self-discovery.
Through her heartfelt narratives, she hopes to inspire young minds to embrace creativity and see the magic in the world around them. Robyn currently lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband, dog Huey, a house full of art supplies, and a heart full of stories waiting to be told.
https://www.facebook.com/RobynHodessStudio
https://www.instagram.com/mascotbooks/?hl=en
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Tuesday, May 6, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewTour Kick Off for I am NOT Sophie! |
| Wednesday, May 7, 2025@PagesforPaigeBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Thursday, May 8, 2025Lisa’s ReadingGuest Post about I am NOT Sophie! |
| Friday, May 9, 2025The Starlit PathBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Monday, May 12, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025Confessions of a Book AddictBook Spotlight on I am NOT Sophie! |
| Wednesday, May 14, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Friday, May 16, 2025Cover Lover Book ReviewAuthor Interview with Robyn Hodess |
| Monday, May 19, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Tuesday, May 20, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Thursday, May 22, 2025Froggy Read TeachBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Friday, May 23, 2025My Reading GetawayBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Monday, May 26, 2025The TipToe FairyBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Tuesday, May 27, 2025Sybrina’s Book BlogGuest Post about I am NOT Sophie! |
| Thursday, May 29, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Monday, June 2, 2025Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
| Tuesday, June 3, 2025Me Two BooksAuthor Interview with Robyn Hodess |
| Wednesday, June 4, 2025Mrs. Makes Reading FunBook Review of I am NOT Sophie! |
GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win a copy of the I am NOT Sophie! board book. Don’t miss out on your chance—enter the giveaway today!
I Am NOT SOphie: Book GiveawayThank you for visiting Lisa’s Reading today. We love to share family-friendly books here and hope that they will be interesting and fun for you. The giveaways on my blog are great opportunities to win books and/or gift cards.
Subscribe for the Bonus Words and Latest Book Reviews!