The Beauty Book (The Lily Series)

I'm not sure why I signed up with Booksneeze (who provided me a free book in exchange for my honest review) to read: The Beauty Book (The Lily Series). I'm not a teenage girl (obviously), and I don't have a teenage girl. But

I am, now, all of a sudden, a mom of a little girl. During our years of infertility, I gave up on the idea of having any child. And once I was blessed with my two miracle boys, I really thought I'd never have a daughter.

But miracle of all miracles, I now have a little girl. And for that reason, I've recently become interested in raising a daughter who doesn't feel the need to keep up with anyone or anything. A little girl who is confident in and of herself.

In a society so focused on the idea that external beauty reigns supreme, it can be difficult for young girls to figure out what “true” beauty is all about. And that's what this book is. It's an opportunity to learn with Lily and her friends just what it means to be beautiful in God’s eyes -- inside and out! Designed for girls ages 7-11, it offers solid instruction on how to think that you are beautiful while coupling it with real life advice on hair care, nail care, make-up, shaving, etc.

Author Nancy Rue starts by changing the way young girls think about themselves. She writes in the first chapter: "Here's a good way to start. From now until you finish reading this book, try to follow this rule: NO BADMOUTHING THE WAY YOU LOOK ... Pretend you are one of your friends. You would rather eat brussel sprouts than hurt a friend's feelings, right? So NO putting your friend -- you! -- down ... What would Jesus do when faced with the temptation to make himself feel like He was okay by playing the comparison game? ... God doesn't compare us. Jesus doesn't compare us. The world we live in compares us, but who are we supposed to follow?"

After working on the way girls think about themselves, she switches gears and helps provide ways to make the best of what you are given. She gives advice but somehow manages to give it without making you feel badly if your hair isn't the most beautiful or if you have a problem with acne. As an adult, I even found suggestions for my own beauty care.

I loved all the quizzzes. I loved the smace to write prayers to God. To take notes. To encourage yourself.

What a fantastic book! I truly cannot figure out one thing to complain about. I look forward to sharing this with Abigail as she grows. I really suggest parents read this first, whether you be a father or a mother. And then you share it with your young daughter -- either reading it together or letting her read it on her own.

A STRONG recommendation from me!