New body image book for children helps kids focus on abilities
Retired OB/GYN and Navy veteran Dr. Tiffanie Tate announced the release of her children’s picture book Perfectly Perfect on October 23, 2026. The story encourages parents to help children focus less on appearances and more on what their bodies enable them to do, such as play, learn, create, grow and experience the world. Tate notes that children naturally compare themselves with others and that these comparisons can shape self-perception as early as elementary school.
Tate stated, “Children can be impacted by what they see and hear as early as age 3. So, we really need to watch what we say and how we say it and how we validate the youth of today.”
Written for children under 12, the book employs rhythmic language and a relatable story of friendship. A young girl begins to feel unhappy with her body and stops eating; her friends respond with compassion and help her recognize that her value has never been in question. The book is designed as both a story and a conversation starter for parents, caregivers and educators.
The Wyoming Star review observed that Perfectly Perfect is aimed as much at adults as at children. It redirects attention to the environment in which children grow up and encourages parents to approach sensitive topics like eating habits with calm curiosity rather than pressure. The emphasis rests on function—how the body grows, plays and thinks—instead of appearance, reshaping the framework through which children interpret themselves.
Tate added, “Perfectly Perfect is about raising healthier humans. The story helps children understand they do not have to earn their value; they already have it.”
Perfectly Perfect is Tate’s latest children’s title. It follows Bad Touching, which teaches age-appropriate lessons about personal safety; Little Engine Mia Sings, which addresses bullying; and Money Matters, which introduces financial literacy concepts to young readers.
Originally from Compton, California, Dr. Tiffanie Tate is a Christian, mother, servant, listener and retired OB/GYN who served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during the Global War on Terror. She volunteers in her community by lecturing to students, family practice residents and other groups. In addition to her children’s books she authored FloweTry: A Collection of 108 Poetic Flows on Life, Love, and Liturgical Issues. She co-hosts the weekly NBC morning podcast “Doctors In The House” on AM 1050/FM 106.5 with replays on YouTube. She is the California Federation of Labor Union- and VoteVets-endorsed candidate for California State Senate District 32. Her site describes the book as the rhythmic story of three friends learning self-worth from birth.
