Being Yourself

"What we have here is a bad case of stripes. One of the worst I've ever seen!"Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out in...a bad case of stripes!

Lauren Grabois Fischer's 1st book in her children's book series is a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) book that truly welcomes every child as they are. A fun rhyming book that reminds everyone to be true to themselves, dream big, and stand tall and be proud of who you are. As all of her books do, the diversity among the characters is a beautiful way to begin the conversation of acceptance, kindness, and respect.

Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round. Written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a don't-miss classic, especially for back to school. Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school. "You're named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let's smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again? This popular picture book has sold more than a million copies and was named a Notable Book for Children by the American Library Association. "Perfectly executed in words and illustration, Chrysanthemum exemplifies Henkes's talent for creating true picture stories for young audiences."—The Horn Book This is an ideal break-the-ice book for the first week of school. It get children thinking about and bonding with their own names and the names of everyone else in the class, and it's the perfect vehicle for starting a discussion about treating classmates with tolerance, kindness, and compassion.

"McKee's gentle humor and love of irony are in full force in this celebration of individuality and laughter." —Publishers Weekly Elmer the elephant is bright-colored patchwork all over. No wonder the other elephants laugh at him! If he were ordinary elephant color, the others might stop laughing. That would make Elmer feel better, wouldn't it? David McKee's comical fable about everyone’s favorite patchwork elephant teaches readers to be themselves and celebrates the power of laughter. This board book edition has sturdy, thick pages, perfect for the youngest readers.

A bulldog and a poodle learn that family is about love, not appearances in this adorable doggy tale from New York Times bestselling author Kelly DiPucchio and illustrator Christian Robinson. This is the story of four puppies: Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La, and Gaston. Gaston works the hardest at his lessons on how to be a proper pooch. He sips—never slobbers! He yips—never yaps! And he walks with grace—never races! Gaston fits right in with his poodle sisters. But a chance encounter with a bulldog family in the park—Rocky, Ricky, Bruno, and Antoinette—reveals there’s been a mix-up, and so Gaston and Antoinette switch places. The new families look right…but they don’t feel right. Can these puppies follow their noses—and their hearts—to find where they belong?

Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

Six-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and four-time Caldecott Honor recipient Bryan Collier brings this classic, inspirational poem to life, written by poet Useni Eugene Perkins. Hey black child, Do you know who you are? Who really are?Do you know you can be What you want to be If you try to be What you can be? This lyrical, empowering poem celebrates black children and seeks to inspire all young people to dream big and achieve their goals.

We miss out on wonderful things, if every moment is a race. Everyones telling Little Sloth to Hurry, hurry! But wait till you see what happens when she and her friends take their time! Follow Little Sloth through this beautifully illustrated board book as she moves at her own pace, and discover the wonders of not rushing through life. Soft, padded cover, baby board book A rhyming, playtime story with a lesson about taking time to enjoy the little things Heartwarming illustrations of a little sloth and other animal friends Includes a ""This book belongs to"" bookplate for personalization A board book that's a great addition to a child's book shelf These sweet children's board books are perfect for reading anytime or to give as gifts for a new baby and other special occasions such as, birthday gifts, baby shower wishing well gifts or for holidays such as Christmas, Easter or Valentine's Day.

She’s too shy to try. Can a glimpse into the future give her the courage she craves? Enna isn’t a queen of confidence. Struggling to believe in herself, the young girl is certain she doesn’t have what it takes to read during bedtime. But when she finally falls asleep, she’s greeted by a wonderful woman who’s incredibly familiar… As the journey across her dreamscape shows her potential versions of herself, Enna is amazed at everything she’s learned how to do. But she knows all that growth won’t come free – it will take time, knowledge, and dedication. Can Enna learn to tackle challenges with a smile? In this indispensable tool for battling gender stereotypes and other hardships, author Esther Pia Cordova reveals mentalities that can hold kids of all kinds back. And by dismantling unhealthy thought processes, she encourages a bold new approach to living life to the fullest. I Can’t Do That, YET is the inspiring first story in the Growth Mindset children’s picture book series. If you or your child like motivational fun, reworking negative patterns, and gorgeous visual learning, then you’ll love Esther Pia Cordova’s step forward. Buy I Can’t Do That, YET to stand taller today!

Told with Todd Parr's signature wit and wisdom, It's Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format.

Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful. In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges--and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.

When Esperanza finds a heart-shaped rock, she sees it as a reminder to spread kindness and love in the world. But when the school play doesn’t go the way she’d imagined, will she remember to give it to herself? Listening with My Heart reminds us of the importance of being friends to ourselves! A beautifully illustrated book that touches on the universal themes of friendship, empathy and self-acceptance. A wonderful addition to any home or school library! Includes kid-friendly self-compassion and mindfulness exercises.

Love Monster is a slightly hairy monster trying to fit in with the cuddly residents of Cutesville. But as it turns out, it's hard to fit in with the cute and the fluffy when you're a googly-eyed monster. And so, Love Monster sets out to find someone who will love him just the way he is. His journey is not easy―he looks high, low, and even middle-ish. But as he soon finds out, in the blink of a googly eye, love can find you when you least expect it.

Discover the power of teaching positive affirmations to children! What we say we feel! What we feel we believe! What we believe we become! Have you ever heard your child say, “I am bad at it! Nobody likes me. I can't do it!” It's heartbreaking to hear children say negative things about themselves, but ALL children struggle with learning to manage emotions. And now you can help! My Magical Words is the experience children need to grow self-love and build confidence. It is a first book of positive affirmations. Children will learn to SAY I am statements that empower them to FEEL and BELIEVE they are special, loved, smart, beautiful, strong, healthy, and more. Your special time with your children will soar to a new level as you show them that words have power and what they say about themselves matters. Teaching your children positive self-talk at an early age will lay the foundation for future success! Written by a 20-year elementary and special educator and founder of Free Kids Academy to empower kids to create their own happiness. Becky Cummings, M.Ed., is inspired by her experience from the classroom and homeschooling her own three children. She loves kids and thinks they are divine little humans with unlimited curiosity and creativity. She also loves speaking her truth. Becky is blessed to combine these passions by writing children’s books that spread messages of love, hope, faith, health, and happiness. She is on a mission to make sure all children are taught the power of positive affirmations before the age of 7!

From the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos comes a sweet and entertaining picture book following Noodle the pug and his human as they navigate Noodle’s first No Bones Day—a day for being kind to yourself! Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It’s almost like Noodle woke up without any bones! Noodle isn’t sick or sad—but he also isn’t interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week.

Our bodies! Our amazing, astounding, and all-around awesome bodies! Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and can do extraordinary things. Our bodies are uniquely our own yet they connect us to the world around us in so many ways. Through playful rhymes and colorful engaging artwork, all the things that make our bodies special--from the texture of our hair to the color of our eyes--are celebrated. This sweet and inclusive book encourages young readers to acknowledge and accept differences, and offers the perfect opportunity to open up conversations about body acceptance. Every body is different and all bodies are good. Back matter includes tips and conversation starters for parents and educators to use with children.

How can Ralph be so mean? Lucy is one of a kind and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy's defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make a good choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and be proud of themselves, even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

One rainy day, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, Sylvester makes a wish that brings unexpected results. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving family and restored to his own donkey self makes a story that is beautifully tender and perfectly joyful.

This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! With Jory John's charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

A #1 New York Times bestseller! From the bestselling creators of The Bad Seed, a timely story about not having to be Grade A perfect! Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed. But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change… Dynamic duo Jory John and Pete Oswald hatch a funny and charming story that reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten). Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!

Leading actor, producer and director Channing Tatum's picture book debut, The One and Only Sparkella is a charming ode to self-esteem and the love between a father and daughter―illustrated by Kim Barnes. Ella is excited for her first day at a new school. Glimmering pencil case? Check! Shimmering backpack? Check! Glittery ribbons in her hair? Check! She can't wait to meet the other kids and share her sparkly personality. But her first day doesn't go quite as planned: Her new classmates don't like her disco-ball shoes, her PB&J-with-sprinkles sandwich, or her rainbow-y unicorn painting. Ella decides to try to be less sparkly at school the next day so the other kids won't make fun of her. But with a little help from her dad, she soon learns the importance of just being herself, no matter what other people say.

A true classic with a timeless message, The Story of Ferdinand has enchanted readers since it was first published in 1936. All the other bulls would run and jump and butt their heads together. But Ferdinand would rather sit and smell the flowers. So what will happen when our pacifist hero is picked for the bullfights in Madrid? This new edition contains the complete original text of the story and the original illustrations.

In the #1 New York Times bestseller, The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be, Joanna Gaines celebrates how creativity and acceptance can come together to make for a bright and beautiful adventure. The book, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, follows a group of children as they each build their very own hot-air balloons. As the kids work together, leaning into their own skills and processes, we discover that the same is true for life—it's more beautiful and vibrant when our differences are celebrated. Together with Joanna, you and your kids will take a journey of growth and imagination as you learn in full color to celebrate every child's one-of-a-kind strengths and differences; embrace teamwork; share our talents and abilities to make everything more beautiful; and lend a helping hand and do our best to show kindness and take care of one another. The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be is a vibrant picture book perfect for ages 4–8; grandparents, parents, teachers, and librarians; classroom story times and discussions about diversity and being a good human being; households that enjoy watching Chip and Joanna on Magnolia Network and HGTV's Fixer Upper; and holiday or Christmas gift-giving, birthdays, or other celebrations. With plenty of pink, a bounty of blue, orange and green and yellow too, this vibrant hot-air balloon adventure celebrates every child and teaches kids that we are in this together. “You're one of a kind, and it's so clear to see: The world needs who you were made to be.”

The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, now a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio. Over 6 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

Shower your little one with words of hope, inspiration, love, and acceptance in this encouragement book for babies and toddlers! Bursting with lively illustrations, whimsical rhyming text, and a timeless, heartfelt message, this growth-mindset book instills positive self-esteem and encourages readers of all ages to dream big in a world full of infinite possibilities, because there's only one YOU. Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or a new beginning, this sweet and uplifting story is sure to be cherished for years to come. Why readers love You!: Perfect gift for baby showers, new parents and newborns, holiday stocking stuffer, preschool graduations, birthdays, Valentine's Day, or for simply telling little one "I love you!" Sandra Magsamen's signature warmth and heart, author of the USA Today bestseller Welcome Little One Fun read-aloud that parents, grandparents, and caregivers will want to return to again and again Timeless and inspirational message of confidence and love for ages 0-3 Life's a big adventure just waiting for you. Give it all you've got, there's nothing you can't do!

Once again, New York Times-bestselling author and artist Nancy Tillman takes a universal truth and makes it accessible for readers young and old in You're All Kinds of Wonderful, now available in board book format! We’re not all the same. Thank goodness we’re not. Life would be boring, and I mean… a lot. And so, when we’re born, we’re supplied at the start with our own bells and whistles to set us apart. Think of your bells as the things you do best things tucked away in your own treasure chest. Part of growing up is discovering―and embracing―what makes us unique. From different abilities to different personalities, we are all wonderfully made with our own bells and whistles.