Is this book related to the show Queer Eye?

Sort of. It's co-written by Karamo Brown, who is the 'Culture Expert' on Queer Eye. It carries his signature message of self-love and empathy, but it's a standalone children's story.

Is there a religious 'Designed' message here?

No. Despite the title, the book isn't a religious text about creation. It's a secular, humanistic celebration of identity and how parents and children fit together in a family.

Is it good for kids with non-traditional families?

Absolutely. While it specifically features a father and son, the core message is about 'modern families' and the universal bond between a caregiver and a child. It’s very inclusive in its background illustrations as well.

How long does it take to read?

It's a standard picture book length—about 32 pages. You can get through it in 5-10 minutes, depending on how much you stop to look at the busy city illustrations.

I Am Perfectly Designed – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

I Am Perfectly Designed

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

A high-energy, high-heart walk through the city that reminds kids (and parents) they’re exactly who they’re supposed to be.

I Am Perfectly Designed

book

2019, Juvenile Fiction

91%

WISE Score

A high-energy, high-heart walk through the city that reminds kids (and parents) they’re exactly who they’re supposed to be.

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Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

If you know Karamo Brown from Queer Eye, you know exactly the kind of 'you are enough' energy he brings. This book is that vibe in paper form. It’s a gorgeous, uncomplicated celebration of a father and son just being together.

It’s not trying to teach the alphabet or how to share toys; it’s teaching self-worth. For parents looking to build a library that reflects a modern, inclusive world without being preachy, this is a must-buy. It’s visually stunning and emotionally resonant without being saccharine.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 3-to-7 crowd. It’s short enough for a bedtime read but has enough visual detail to keep a first-grader interested in the 'search and find' aspects of the illustrations.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It’s a masterclass in modeling a healthy, affectionate father-son relationship. The tone is joyful, grounded, and centers on mutual respect and emotional security.

Imaginative

The city walk premise is simple, but Anoosha Syed’s vibrant illustrations turn a standard urban environment into a colorful, welcoming world full of small details for kids to spot.

Safe

100

Completely safe. No scary themes, no unexpected violence, just a walk through a city with a loving parent.

Enriching

Strong focus on self-acceptance and emotional literacy. It provides a great template for how parents can affirm their kids' identities through simple, everyday conversations.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Inclusive representation featuring a Black father and son, which is still underrepresented in the 'gentle/emotional' picture book category.
Anoosha Syed’s illustrations are top-tier—bright, modern, and full of diverse background characters that make the city feel alive.
Emotional intelligence is baked into the dialogue, showing a dad who isn't afraid to be vulnerable and expressive.
Modern family vibes that feel fresh and relevant rather than dated or overly formal.

⚠

What to Watch For

The book is more of a thematic meditation than a plot-driven story; if your kid needs a 'bad guy' or a high-stakes mission to stay engaged, this might feel a bit slow.
It's very much a 'message book,' so expect to do some of the heavy lifting in terms of making the conversation feel natural rather than like a lecture.

Conversation Starters

"What is one thing about yourself that you think is perfectly designed?"
"The boy and his dad remembered a lot of fun times on their walk. What’s your favorite memory of us together?"
"If we went on a big walk through our city today, what cool things do you think we’d see?"
"Why do you think the dad tells the boy he is perfectly designed even when he's just being himself?"

Deep Dive

The Karamo Effect in Kid Form

Karamo Brown has built a career on the idea that everyone has inherent value, and bringing that to a picture book with his son, Jason, feels like a natural extension of that brand. What makes I Am Perfectly Designed stand out in a crowded field of 'self-esteem' books is the specificity of the relationship. This isn't a generic animal fable; it's a specific human story about a Black father and son navigating their world with confidence.

Visual Storytelling

While the text is lovely, Anoosha Syed’s work is the secret sauce here. She captures a version of city life that feels aspirational but real—bustling, diverse, and full of life. The characters have personality in their poses and fashion, which helps ground the somewhat abstract 'perfectly designed' concept into something kids can actually see.

"With tenderness and wit, this story captures the magic of building strong childhood memories."

Why it works for 2026 parents

We’re past the era where 'representation' just means having a diverse face on the cover. Parents now want stories where those characters are allowed to be soft, reflective, and connected. This book delivers that. It’s a great pick for kids who might be struggling with a bit of self-doubt, but it’s just as good as a standard 'I love you' read for toddlers who just want to see a kid and a dad having a great day out.

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