It's Okay To Be Different

Rating:
Summary: Todd Parr does it again!!!
Review: I happened upon this book yesterday and instantly grabbed it, being familiar with Todd Parr. (We have his children's card game.) Very much like the card game, this book reaffirms every person's right to be different. Todd's engaging child-like pictures appeal to everyone--my 3 year old, my 7 year old, me of course, and we even bought this as a present for a grown up!! My 7 year old also instantly opened this book when she saw it. She was delighted to read the page that says, "It's okay to wear glasses." You can bet I will be reading everything of Todd's--he's a master!!!! Every child should have this book, not only to help learn acceptance, but also to encourage their own self confidence!

Rating:
Summary: I agree, It IS OKAY TO READ THIS BOOK! ..and to be you...
Review: Maybe some people's kids like reading old stuff like aesops fables..stuff that doesn't relate to the REAL WORLD. BUT MOST kids in TODAY'S WORLD have issues. Issues like- why do I have freckles and why do I have curly hair and why do I wear glasses and why can't I be like her... or him ...or them! That's why this book is SO WONDERFUL..it teaches a wonderful lesson - IT'S OKAY..TO BE DIFFERENT, IT'S OKAY TO BE YOU! This is certainly an enriching book for any child - it builds self esteem, self confidence, and shows kids how everyone can be different, but that's what makes us special!...

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book about different types of diversity
Review: This book has quickly been added to my story time collection. The illustrations are bright, colorful and charming for reading aloud or simply browsing. Children are reminded that it's okay to be different, no matter what their differences or similarities. While tolerance of others is one of the themes, self-acceptance is the most important message. This is a great book for showing that differences are perfectly fine and acceptable. The book does not reek of politically correct messages as much as it comforts us that being different is just fine. I, as an adult, liked myself a little better after I read it the first time. I think children will feel the same way.

A friend of mine took the book to read at her local children's hospital where it was a big hit with the patients who often feel very different. This is a must for any library, big or small.

Rating:
Summary: A superficial idea of what it means to be
Review: THIS IS A VERY BRIEF BOOK WRITTEN PRIMARILY FOR CHILDREN--UNHAPPY, DEPRESSED, "ABNORMAL" CHILDREN. THE GIST OF THE THING IS TO INSTILL IN THE KIDS THAT IT IS "OK" TO BE DIFFERENT. IN OTHER WORDS, THEY "ARE" DIFFERENT, BUT THAT'S "OK." OUR OUTWARD & INWARD DIFFERENCES ARE TO BE "CELEBRATED."
I AGREE, BUT...

DO YOU SEE ANYTHING WEIRD ABOUT THIS? IT'S SUCH A PARADOX, A CONUNDRUM OF THE BACK AGAINST THE WALL, WHAT CAN I DO TO FIT IN WITH THESE ADULTS AND OTHER CHILDREN VARIETY. I CAN'T GET MY MIND AROUND THIS CONCEPT (OR ACCEPT IT), SO HOW CAN ANYONE EXPECT "ABNORMAL CHILDREN" TO COMPREHEND WHAT IS BEING IMPLIED? THEY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LIFE EXPERIENCE!

THE INTELLIGENT CHILDREN (AND MOST "WEIRD" KIDS ARE INTELLIGENT FOR SOME REASON) ARE LEFT TO INFER THAT FEELING GOOD HAPPENS WHEN YOU BEHAVE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

THE BOOK DOES WORK ON ONE LEVEL AT LEAST; HOWEVER, AND THAT IS THAT CHILDREN SHOULD BE HAPPY, IF FOR JUST A MINUTE OCCASSIONALLY, THIS WORKBOOK-TYPE TOME IS FULL OF FUN ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEIR "STRANGE, UNHAPPY" LITTLE MINDS OCCUPIED.

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