Book Review: An LDS Girl's Guide to Real Beauty by Leslie Cheret

My friend Tristi recently posted on her blog about teaching our daughters to be women. Her post reminded me of an awesome book I purchased for MJ last Novemeber at Time Out for Women. I gave it to her for her 8th birthday.


It's called An LDS Girl's Guide to Real Beauty by Leslie Cheret.

From the Deseret Book website:
A fun and conversational guide to being beautiful inside and out. From self-confidence and discovering your talents to healthy eating, make-up, and exercise, Leslie Cheret will help any girl feel beautiful. Full of thoughts from real LDS girls your age and helpful tips to feeling your best.

My daughter absolutely loves this book. We've been sitting together and reading it one chapter at a time. Many times, she has stopped to ask me more specific questions. In one chapter, the author talks more about what it means to be a real friend - and how friends treat each other. MJ is a very friendly girl and wants to be friends with everyone. But at school, there's one click who has caused her some grief. When these girls get together on the playground, they all follow whatever the click's leader tells them to do. There are about four girls in the group. The hard thing for MJ is that she's friends with several of the girls in the group. When she's with the girls and the leader isn't around, they have a wonderful time together. But when the leader is there, she (the leader) makes all the girls walk away from MJ. It's not just MJ who they "ignore," it's all the girls. MJ asked me lots of questions about this specific situation, but a few others as well. Like what to do when someone makes fun of someone else. We talked a lot about how we're all children of God, and no matter what church we go to, we need to treat everyone with respect.

This book has been excellent for bringing up topics and letting my daughter ask me questions that lead into wonderful conversations and teaching moments. I'm very impressed with this author. She's fun and humorous, and also very honest and loving as she talks about topics that are very important to girls who are pre-teen through teen. MJ is in 2nd grade and I've been shocked by the things I've seen and heard happening between the girls or girls and boys that I wouldn't have expected until at least 6th or 7th grade. I think the timing of this book is perfect for those of us raising girls in this generation. I highly, highly recommend this book.

QOTC Rating: Five HUGE Stars!

Psst - I haven't read it yet, but this author has another book called An LDS Girl's Guide to Friendship. That's definitely going to be the next one I purchase!

Would you like to comment?

Amy said...

That sounds like an awesome book. I will have to look into it.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

It is a great book. I'm glad it's out there because there's so much peer pressure at school these days. I think young girls and teens need to understand how wonderful and awesome they are.

Josi said...

We have this book and love it--I'm so glad they did it and that it's not 'preachy'--just realistic and informative. Great review.

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Josi - Thanks for leaving your thoughts on the book, too. BTW - I finished your book. I couldn't put it down! I seriously sat on the couch and only got up for bathroom breaks until it was finished. :)

Leslie :~D said...

Hi... Leslie Cheret here! Every so often I Google my own name to see where it pops up and well... your blog popped up! I am so happy that you and your daughters have enjoyed the book! It does a soul good to know that the things I was inspired to write have made a positive impact on girls (and moms).

I hope you like the Friendship book as much as you do the Beauty book! I have a third I'm percolating in my brain, but problems with the publisher and the LDS publishing world in general have me in a bit of a writers funk! Anyway...

I have a blog for YW, though probably for girls older than 8! www.ldsgirlsguidebooks.blogspot.com

Take care and thanks for such great reviews!

:~) Leslie

Leslie :~D said...

I should clarify: my publisher has been great to work with. The problems I refer to are related to the market, and not those whom I work with!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Hi Leslie - Thank you so much for stopping by!!! I'm excited to check out your blog.

As an LDS writer, I totally understand your frustrations with the market. There are so many fabulous book ideas out there that, because of the market, are so difficult to sell to a publisher. It can be very frustrating.

As a mom, I would love to see you come out with a book about dating - and not just for people age sixteen and older. My 2nd grade daughter is dealing with "boyfriend" issues already. Thankfully, she isn't boy crazy, but there are some girls in her grade that are. And several of these girls are very territorial as well. My daughter (or any other girl) isn't allowed to play kickball or anything else with these boys who are her friends because they're "so & so's boyfriend". I can't believe we are dealing with this already with eight year olds!

There's just so much peer pressure and "worldly stuff" out there. Our girls really need fun, uplifting guidance like your books give. They are incredible to remind them they aren't alone or the only ones in these situations. Thank you for creating such an awesome series!

james said...

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Anlen said...

I know this post is old, but I'm so happy I found your blog! Both the review of Leslie Cheret's book and your situation with your daughter are EXACTLY what I was looking for to help me with my 2nd grader (my oldest, and only girl). Thank you so much!

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Anlen - I'm so glad you found this book. We've really loved it! My daughter is now in 5th grade and we still continue to read it together and talk about the new things she's coming up against at school. It's an excellent resource. Enjoy!