Book Review of I Am Not Sophie
The Children’s Book Review
What to Expect: Imagination, identity, mother-child connection, animal play, emotional development.
In I Am Not Sophie, Robyn Hodess delivers a tender, imaginative board book that captures the delightful world of pretend play through a week in the life of one wildly creative child. Thoughtful, whimsical, and full of love, it’s a gentle celebration of pretend play, emotional expression, and the unshakeable bond between parent and child.
Each day of the week, Sophie wakes up as someone—or something—new: a tiger, an elephant, a snake, a monkey, a bird, and an alligator. Through her expressive actions—pouncing, trumpeting, slithering, and chomping—Sophie explores her emotions and identities in a way that feels both energetic and safe. Her mother, the ever-steady presence, mirrors Sophie’s play with warmth and flexibility, affirming each transformation with a simple but powerful pattern of acknowledgment, connection, and love.
Perfectly paced and rhythmically told, this story will resonate with any young reader who’s ever wanted to be something else for a day, and with every adult who’s lovingly played along. Repetitive refrains invite young readers to anticipate and participate, building their confidence through predictability while sparking joy through variation. Terry Kole’s illustrations are lively and child-centered, enhancing the story’s playfulness and giving visual depth to Sophie’s animal imaginings. The subtle shift at the end, when Sophie finally reclaims her own name and says, ” I am SOPHIE!” is a sweet moment of self-recognition and emotional closure that ties the story together beautifully.
I Am Not Sophie will be a delightful addition to any bedtime routine and a must-have for families and early childhood educators who value imagination and connection.
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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.
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