Who Are We, Really?


Children - Fable
36 Pages
Reviewed on 02/05/2025
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Nielle P. Marques is an award-winning author and illustrator with a formal background in dentistry and a lifelong love for creative expression. She has been crafting stories since she was a young girl, transforming her vivid imagination into tales that inspire and delight.

Her passions for reading, writing, and illustration come together beautifully in her children’s books, which often explore themes of nature, animals, and self-discovery. Inspired by her son’s boundless curiosity, Nielle creates stories that spark wonder and encourage a love for the world around us.

When she’s not writing or illustrating, Nielle enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring with her family, and finding new ways to share her passion for storytelling. Her books are treasured by families and educators for their warmth, whimsy, and ability to connect with young readers.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Who Are We, Really? by Nielle P. Marques tells a sweet and meaningful story about three young tadpoles named Polly, Molly, and Joey who wonder what they'll grow up to be. They imagine becoming scary sharks or wise old turtles, or maybe something completely different. As they swim around meeting other water creatures, they learn that growing up isn't just about changing: it's about being true to who you are. The beautiful images create a magical underwater world where young readers can think about big life questions through small adventures. The story mixes real facts about nature with lessons about growing up, making it both fun and helpful for children to learn about themselves. This imaginative story connects with the natural curiosity that all children have about who they are and who they might become.

Author Nielle P. Marques combines artistic talent with a deep understanding of how children think and feel. I was touched by how she takes big ideas about finding out who you are and explains them in simple ways that children can understand. Her handmade pictures, created with watercolors and paper collages, create a special look that perfectly matches the story's messages, making each page exciting to explore. She balances fun moments with deeper meanings, which makes the book enjoyable for children while giving parents and teachers good topics to discuss with them. The story moves at a gentle pace with carefully chosen simple words, making it both calming and interesting for young readers. She captures how children wonder about the world while asking big questions about who they are. The characters feel real and relatable, making it easy for children to see themselves in the story. The book creates natural opportunities for conversations between adults and children about identity, change, and staying true to yourself. Overall, I enthusiastically recommend Who Are We, Really? as a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf as it perfectly combines entertainment with gentle wisdom about growing up.

Melinda Facal

Who Are We, Really? by Nielle P. Marques follows Polly, Molly, and Joey, three adorable and inquisitive tadpoles as they grow and try to discover what they will become once fully grown. These lovable tadpoles believe they will grow up to be courageous, strong, and have unlimited potential. Although they are very small now, this trio ponders the possibility of becoming everything from a flying insect to developing into a gigantic shark. As these enthusiastic friends swim throughout the lake, other aquatic creatures share wisdom with each of them and encourage their curiosity. Beautiful watercolor illustrations create a magical underwater landscape. The imaginative tadpoles have fun looking to the future as they wonder what they will become and how they will live.

Who Are We, Really? by Nielle P. Marques is a delightful children’s picture book. Young readers will enjoy following Molly, Polly, and Joey as they learn and grow up. These sweet tadpoles are endearing, and their curiosity provides many laugh-out-loud moments. This original story, told from the perspective of three exuberant tadpoles, will engage young readers while encouraging them to dream big as they explore the world around them. The gorgeous and calming illustrations enhance this enchanting tale of discovery. Children will relate to the hopes of the tadpoles to be brave, bold, and free when they grow up. The gentle guidance from the older inhabitants of the lake is heartwarming, even though the tadpoles may not always agree with the advice they are given. This is a highly recommended read.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Who Are We, Really? by Nielle P. Marques is a delightful children’s picture book that follows three curious tadpoles who do not know what animal they will be when they grow up. Polly, Molly, and Joey live in the shallow waters of a lake, and with so much diversity around them, they begin to wonder which animal they will turn into when they grow up. Joey insists they will become dragonflies, even though they live in water and cannot fly. Molly believes they will turn into turtles and hopes to have cool camouflage, while Polly wishes they could be brave sharks. Their debate draws the attention of other animals, who share their insights and encourage the tadpoles to be patient and true to themselves, regardless of what they will eventually become.

Who Are We, Really? is a beautiful story with a profound message about accepting your identity and loving yourself. Many people wish to be like others, envying their unique traits and desiring to embody qualities that are not true to themselves. This book teaches children the importance of celebrating individuality, encouraging young readers to embrace who they are and to be patient with their personal growth. It also teaches them to dream big and never give up. These are all powerful messages that not only apply to children but also to adults. Nielle P. Marques does an excellent job of conveying this in a simple and engaging tale that children will connect with. The colorful illustrations perfectly complement the story and capture the beauty of the tadpoles’ natural environment. Overall, Who Are We, Really? is an entertaining story about childhood curiosity, the excitement of transformation, and a celebration of individuality.