Being a kid can be hard sometimes. You're learning and growing and trying to figure out who you are. You inevitably compare yourself with others and sometimes find yourself lacking. These books are a great way to remind your child that they are unique and the things that make you different also make you special.
Written by Jazmyn Simon
Illustrated by Tamisha Anthony
Random House, 2022. Picture Book.
This story starts when Irie runs down the stairs in a pink wool hat and asks her mom if she can wear the hat today. When Momma asks Irie why she wants to wear a wool hat in July, Irie explains that she hates her big, poofy hair and she wants to be like everyone else. Momma explains "I didn't make you to be like everyone else. I made you to be you." She explains that all of Irie's traits; her eyes, skin color, hair, and more, were picked out by Momma before Irie was born because they were all of favorite things. This is a great book to remind children that they are special just the way they are and you wouldn't want them to be any different.
Written by Giles Andreae
Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees
Orchard Books, 2020. Picture Book.
In this book, written by the creators of Giraffes Can't Dance, every elephant performs their best tricks to receive a name from Mighty Elephant. Some elephants are strong, or loud, or can jump rope, or walk on stilts. One little elephant in the back of the line, however, doesn't know what his talent is yet. When he can't do anything to impress the king, the king names him Elephant Nothing-At-All. Feeling dejected, the elephant travels to a watering hole where he meets new friends that teach him that he is gentle, and kind, and true. For those who enjoy Max Lucado's You Are Special, you will love this book.
A Penny's Worth
Written by Mark Hoffmann
Illustrated by Kimberly Wilson
Page Street Kids, 2022. Picture Book.
Hot off the minting press, Penny feels like a million bucks, until she finds out that nobody uses pennies anymore. Because of inflation, she can't even be used to buy penny candy. Quarter can be used at the arcade, and everyone likes Big Bill and Dime. Penny begins to feel dejected until she finds out that her value may not be in how she can be spent. Face up, pennies can be good luck and they are often thrown into fountains to fulfill wishes. This book will help your kids learn about money while also teaching a greater lesson about looking deeper to see the value in themselves and others.
Scribble, 2019. Picture Book.
This book outlines all of the many ways that a person can be smart. It discusses traditional ways to be smart, like matching shapes in pairs and counting way past forty, but it also highlights non-traditional intelligence. Dancing, courage to try new things, sitting still and quiet, building, and coming up with new games. This book is a good way to explain to your child that there is more than one way to be smart.
By Ged Adamson
Two Lions, 2020. Picture Book.
The protagonist of this book is Bernard, a bird was born with long arms. When he was a baby he didn't realize that he was any different than anyone else. But one day he realizes that he can't fly like the other birds. Feeling embarrassed, he tries to make his wings smaller, then tries to make them into an accessory, and finally failing to do all that, he leaves dejected. Until he sees an orangutan that's feeling sad and he gives him a big hug. The orangutan feels better and all of the sudden there's a line for the bird's hugs. This title will help remind kids that even things they don't like about themselves can make them special.
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