“I am many names to many people, but I am still the same little boy. That is who I am.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Through the Lens of Childhood: A Little Girl and A Little Boy’s Story” by Lenny Yokiel. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Through the Lens of Childhood: A Little Girl and a Little Boy’s Story” by Lenny Yokiel is a gentle and profound children’s book that explores the wonder of identity through the innocent eyes of youth. In its poetic repetition and reflective cadence, the story reminds readers—both young and old—that we all play many roles in life, yet remain uniquely ourselves. Written in simple, heartfelt language, the book celebrates the connections that define us: family, friendship, community, and faith. Yokiel captures the purity of childhood perception, where every relationship—parent, teacher, doctor, friend—helps shape who we are without ever changing our core self.
Lenny Yokiel was born December 14, 1958. Не is the oldest of twelve children (same parents, six boys and six girls) and was raised in a Nazarene Christian home where he was disciplined and loved. His family has an awesome reputation in the public eye; their family embodies honesty, kindness, and love that is genuinely seen. His siblings are like his friends. He is creative and innovative. He desires to accomplish a positive influence in a world that needs the good that he grew up with, including the love of Jesus that encouraged him to ‘do unto others as I would have done to me.
He has long desired to publish as a children’s book author who was greatly inspired in youth by writing a story for a homework assignment. No matter how old he becomes, he will always be young at heart.
The story opens with the voice of a child who reflects on being known by many names to many people. To parents, they are a daughter or son; to siblings, a sister or brother; to grandparents, a grandchild; to teachers, a student; to friends, a companion; and to God, a beloved child. Each role is introduced with rhythmic repetition, drawing young readers into the pattern of recognition and affirmation. The structure of the text mirrors the rhythm of a child’s thoughts—curious, repetitive, and deeply sincere.
Through this poetic enumeration, Yokiel invites readers to see that identity is not singular—it is shaped by love, service, and community. The story reminds children that though they wear many titles in life, they remain one and whole.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes a mirror of self-discovery and belonging. The child narrator concludes that despite all the roles they hold—family member, student, helper, citizen, or friend—they are still the same little boy or little girl at heart. The book’s closing message, “That is who I am,” echoes as both a declaration and an affirmation of identity. It encourages readers to recognize their value not because of what they do, but because of who they are.
What makes this book so compelling is its universal resonance. Though written in the voice of a child, it speaks to readers of all ages. Its lyrical rhythm and repetition make it ideal for reading aloud, while its message invites reflection long after the book is closed. Yokiel succeeds in reminding us of something often forgotten—that identity is not defined by others’ perceptions, but by the enduring truth of who we are within.
Through the Lens of Childhood leaves readers with a sense of peace and joy, reminding us that the truest form of self-understanding begins with gratitude for the connections that define us and the inner truth that grounds us.
“Through the Lens of Childhood: A Little Girl and A Little Boy’s Story” by Lenny Yokiel is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: