As the new school year begins, children are all too familiar with labels like “bossy,” “reckless,” or “know-it-all.” These words, often tossed around casually, can linger in a child’s mind, shaping how they see themselves. Alicia McKenzie, mother of five and former competitive athlete, is helping kids reframe those labels in her new picture book, These ABCs Belong to Me!, showing young readers that words meant to hurt can be transformed into strengths.
Published by The Collective Book Studio and illustrated by Sarah DeMonteverde, the book draws on McKenzie’s 18 years of parenting five uniquely spirited children and her own experiences growing up as a biracial child with boundless energy and a strong personality. Each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a word children often encounter in a critical or belittling context—from “ambitious” to “messy,” “timid” to “zany”—offering fresh, uplifting reinterpretations that turn these so-called negatives into positive traits worth celebrating.
“For me, this book is really about understanding that every child has special qualities,” McKenzie explains. “Someone might use a word meant to limit or define your child, but it’s up to us as parents to teach them how to flip that script—turn a negative into something positive so your child can create their own extraordinary narrative.” Drawing inspiration from her childhood, including watching her military father cope with PTSD, McKenzie emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding in guiding children to embrace their individuality.
The book not only empowers children but also provides parents with tools to foster confidence and resilience. McKenzie’s insights resonate with her larger mission as an author, entrepreneur, and wellness coach. Through her blog LiftLikeAMother and her podcast Married to the Start-up, she shares guidance on holistic health, parenting, and navigating life transitions. She is also co-founder of NextChapterHer, a community supporting women in periods of change.
Ideal for preschool and early elementary readers, These ABCs Belong to Me! encourages children to celebrate what makes them unique while offering parents a gentle framework to discuss self-esteem and self-worth. With its playful illustrations and empowering messages, the book is a timely resource for families navigating the challenges of school, social interactions, and self-discovery.
These ABCs Belong to Me! is available now on Amazon and is poised to become a staple on bookshelves where confidence, creativity, and kindness are celebrated.