It's Okay to Be Different

It's Okay to Be Different
Written and Illustrated by Todd Parr
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Re-print Edition April 2009
Grade Level: Pre-K-K
Themes: Love, Kindness and Acceptance

Summary: It's Okay to Be Different inspires children to embrace their individuality through acceptance of others and self confidence. It's okay to be a different color, it's okay to have no hair and it's okay to say no to bad things are just a few of the it's okays.

Reflection: This book is great for younger children. You can use this book to begin teaching about differences and individuality. The text is simple and the illustrations are cute, bright and funny. Todd Parr has many other books that are easy for kids to understand. Some of these include,  The Earth Book, The Peace Book and The Feel Good Book.

Pre-Reading: This is a great book for early literacy. Each page begins, it's okay. The repetition makes it great for them to learn those words and read along with the teacher. You could go through the book and ask the children to help you find some sight words.

Post-Reading: Create your own class book. It's Okay to Be Different. Have the children create a picture of themselves and put them all together to form a book or tell students they are going to make a collage that shows interesting things about themselves. They will cut out pictures from magazines of any of their favorite things(pets, places, hobbies, clothing, sports) and glue them onto construction paper. Older students need to label their collage such as my favorite place.

About the Author:

Todd Parr grew up in Wyoming. He failed art class in high school, but was determined to pursue his passion of drawing and painting. He was rejected many times, but never gave up. He continued working and has written and illustrated more than 28 books. He has won many awards and has joined several organizations to promote reading.