nearly exactly almost like me is a 2025 picture book, written by Jennifer Bradbury and illustrated by Pearl Auyeung. It is an accessible story about being part of a modern family, specifically one with different where not only do the parents come from different ethnic backgrounds, the kids came to the family through different routes. the mother gave birth to one of the brothers, while the other is adopted.
The value of this book is in home the story is told, with one brother reviewing all the ways he and his brother are alike, and each time stating, almost chanting, “Just like my brother.” This structure will let kids anticipate what will happen next, and will guide them to seek (and find) similarities, rather differences. I see this book appealing first and most obviously to kids in some form of blended family: kids who are adopted or fostered, or kids whose parents are on their second marriage. Second, though, it will appeal to those who feel like outsiders or don’t get along with family members for some other reason.
The illustrations are big and lively, filling the whole page. While the situations are realistic, they are colored with the kids’ emotions.
I wouldn’t say I love this book, and I wouldn’t expect kids to do so: the lesson is too overt, and the story limited. But I enjoyed it, and it is useful.
