The Gentle Pen - Technically Grammatically Correct!

Recently, I was called out by the "Grammar Police," who came correcting my new book "YOU ARE YOU, I AM ME," telling me that I had no idea what I was doing - and that it was important that children learn proper grammar! Okay, well, listen, Mr. Put a Damper on Kids' Fun guy...Here are the rules for kids - and in the industry of writing children's books. Maybe you can take a few minutes to read this, lower your blood pressure, and calm down.

For a children's book title, "You Are You, I Am Me" is acceptable—even preferable—because it feels natural, warm, inviting, and conversational. While "You Are You, I Am I" is technically grammatically correct, it sounds formal and unnatural for young readers.

Most children's books tend to employ accessible, friendly, and playful language, prioritizing connection and rhythm over strict adherence to grammatical rules.

Therefore, "You Are You, I Am Me"  is certainly recommended as an appropriate title for this book, as it resonates warmly and intuitively with both children and adults.

So, Dude, you can go off somewhere and do - YOU ARE YOU, I AM I, but for my kids and me, we will do it my way!

Gently, and grammatically,

Liv McLean,

Children's Author and Illustrator

www.livmclean.com