Who's in Charge?

A People Magazine Back-to-School Selection

With its infectious refrain, this powerful, age-appropriate picture book for young children underscores kids’ right to set boundaries—and take charge of their own bodies, voices, and choices.

Who’s in charge of your giggle? I am!
Who’s in charge of your wiggle? I am!
Who’s in charge of your face? I am!
Who’s in charge of your space? I am!

With playfulness and a powerful sense of confidence, the children in this book assert in no uncertain terms who is in charge of their lips, their hips, their eyes, their thighs, their nose, their toes, their voice, and their choice. “I AM!” comes the response that little readers will echo loudly and happily. From Stephanie Allain and Jenny Klion, debut authors who are longtime friends and activists for equity in Hollywood, comes an invigorating anthem brought to colorful life in the energetic artwork of Marissa Valdez.Threading the needle between playfulness and authority, this book about 'who’s in charge' is a great book to share with a young reader heading into the school year.
—PEOPLE Magazine

Children take ownership of their bodies through repeated affirmations. . . . While the book’s message is a serious and important one, the playful rhymes and eye-catching art keep the tone light. . . . A colorful and effective take on consent.
—Kirkus Reviews

It’s the kind of picture book toddlers and preschoolers will want to read on repeat. It’s a perfect picture book to introduce consent and boundaries to those age groups.
—Book RiotStephanie Allain is an award-winning film and television producer and the founder of Homegrown Pictures. Her extensive credits include Hustle & Flow and the 2020 Academy Awards. A trailblazer for equity and inclusion in Hollywood, she’s the first Black female president of the Producers Guild of America and sits on the boards of American Cinematheque and Cast & Crew. Who's in Charge? is her picture book debut. Stephanie Allain lives with her husband, composer Stephen Bray, and a blended family of artists.

Jenny Klion is a multifaceted writer, performer, and essayist. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Ploughshares, Longreads, and Brevity Blog, among others, and she’s toured with Big Apple Circus. Who's in Charge? is her first picture book. She hopes it helps children take charge of their bodies, voices, and choices. Jenny Klion lives in New York City.

Marissa Valdez is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller Ambitious Girl by Meena Harris and other best-selling picture books, such as Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective and Hattie Harmony: Opening Night by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett. Originally from Texas and a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Marissa Valdez lives in England.