Picture Book Review: Maybe Just Ask Me by Katie Mazeika
Maybe Just Ask Me is a fun, heartfelt, and important picture book about not making assumptions and giving people the chance to share their own stories. It’s based on the author Katie Mazeika’s real-life childhood experience and follows Mazie, a young girl who wears an eyepatch and headscarf. She’s starting at a new school and knows her classmates are curious about her scarf and eye patch, but instead of just asking her, they start making up wild stories—maybe she’s a pirate, or maybe a dragon burned off her hair!
Publisher provided a ARC for review, however all thoughts and opinions our own. This post contains affiliate links. We earn a small commission for items purchased.
What makes Maybe Just Ask Me stand out is how relatable and real it feels. The kids in Mazie’s class aren’t being mean, but by making up these crazy stories without including her, they’re unintentionally leaving her out. And all she really wants is to be part of the conversation! It’s such a great way to show young readers how easy it is to make someone feel unseen when we assume instead of ask.
The illustrations in Maybe Just Ask Me are bright, playful, and full of energy, making the story even more relatable. The kids’ over-the-top stories about Mazie’s appearance burst out of the pages in huge thought bubbles, making them feel larger than life, just like rumors tend to get when they spread. The book does a fantastic job of showing how misunderstandings can grow if we don’t take the time to listen to the real child behind them.
This is a great Simon & Schuster book for sparking discussions about inclusion, curiosity, and respect. It encourages kids to ask questions instead of jumping to conclusions and reminds them that everyone has their own personal story worth hearing. Maybe Just Ask Me is a great read for classrooms, libraries, or bedtime, this book is both entertaining and meaningful—a must-read for teaching kids about kindness and understanding.
