★ 2024 MOM'S CHOICE GOLD AWARD WINNER ★ ★ 2024 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SILVER AWARD WINNER ★ ★ 2024 READERS’ FAVORITE SILVER MEDAL WINNER ★
A fun, psychologist-approved, interactive kids' book that finally solves the problem of having age-appropriate conversations about difference & diversity with 3 - 8 year olds... This book provides the framework for that crucial conversation that will transform your child's attitudes towards themselves and others.
In her own heartwarming, hilarious words, Marnie, a spunky multiracial kindergartener, explores the concept of diversity. She finds that differences (e.g. race, size, accent, learning styles, ways of moving around) are only one part of a person's unique story .
This book will help your This engaging, interactive picture book asks readers a series of heartwarming, hilarious questions alongside a quirky main character, and gracefully illustrates that the best friendships can be made when we love what’s different (and the same) about each other.
" We're the Same, We're Different and We All Belong is one of the best books I've read about celebrating and respecting diversity. Everything about this book is top-notch. Marnie is a character that kids will immediately want as their friend. She is confident yet also vulnerable and engaging. The illustrations are vibrant and full of life and emotions... The message of diversity and acceptance is woven expertly throughout the story. KayJay Miller has crafted a luminous character in Marnie. I hope to see her in future stories. As a retired children's librarian, I've read thousands of picture books, and We're the Same, We're Different and We All Belong is one of the best ." ★★★★★ — Readers' Favorite
This is a diverse book for for girls and boys in preschool (ages 3-5), kindergarten and grades 1, 2 & 3 (ages 6 - 8).
The themes this book explores include acceptance, understanding, community, race, friendship, disability / disabilities, special needs, school life, prejudice, racism, inclusion, anti bullying, neurodiversity, multiculturalism and belonging.
OTHER EDITORIAL REVIEWS "Miller’s picture book tells of how every child has a unique story that’s worth discovering ... An engaging book that provides opportunities for youngsters to practice empathy ." — Kirkus Reviews (Received Kirkus "Get It" accolade)
" ... an amazing fiction story that covers various important topics such as individual differences, disability awareness, life skills and much more , making it perfect for kids of all ages to learn from. Miller's spirited story is a reminder that our differences are what make the world a better place..." ★★★★★ — Reedsy Discovery ("Must Read" award)
"Six year-old Marnie narrates this approachable and conversational introduction to the concept of inclusion in Miller’s big-hearted picture book... Inviting introduction to inclusion as told by a six year-old narrator." — Booklife Reviews
" A book every child should read... This heartwarming story promotes empathy, curiosity, and harmonious coexistence... highly recommended for families and classrooms . Helping children develop self-esteem and appreciate all the differences in the world is just the starting point of this magnificent children's book." ★★★★★ — Literary Titan
KayJay Miller has been... a Caribbean child dancing in full carnival costume, an Oxford student cycling everywhere and an award-winning writer (theater, film and children's TV). She is now Mom to an amazing, cheeky 6 year old and an author of kids' books that are a force for good.
She writes Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) children's books that help parents and teachers bond more deeply with their children and facilitate crucial conversations that they may never have had otherwise. These books help nurture happy, mindful, resilient and compassionate children that have the tools to live their best lives.
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong by KayJay Miller introduces readers to Marnie, a cheerful six-year-old girl who explains that we are all unique and special. Marnie questions the idea that someone can know another person solely based on one characteristic. She shows us that there isn’t a single factor that defines us. Later, she shares a personal experience in which she faced differential treatment due to her skin color and hairstyle. On that occasion, her mother taught her that we’re the same, we’re different, and we all belong. Furthermore, when Marnie describes herself, she goes beyond her appearance to talk about her interests, hobbies, and dreams.
Understanding diversity and inclusion is essential for everyone. In this way, we can fight discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice. That’s why We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong struck me as a book every child should read. The illustrations are beautiful and evoke warmth, even in sad moments. They depict people with different hair types, skin tones, and other characteristics, reflecting the variety of our society. KayJay Miller uses simple narration with short sentences, making it ideal for young readers. This heartwarming story promotes empathy, curiosity, and harmonious coexistence.
What I loved most about this book is how expressive Marnie is. In every illustration, she reveals a different aspect of herself. She’s energetic fun, and comes across as a likable character who openly shares her emotions and personality. KayJay Miller skillfully blends sad and joyful moments, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the story. Moreover, children can easily relate to the book’s themes of diversity and coexistence. Thus, they can create a positive self-image and feel more comfortable with their identity and differences.
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong pays attention to every detail in narration and presentation, making this book highly recommended for families and classrooms. Helping children develop self-esteem and appreciate all the differences in the world is just the starting point of this magnificent children’s book.
We're the Same, We're Different and We All Belong is such a beautiful book to highlight that while we all have thing in common and things that are different. I like that it says that different does not equal weird.
The pictures in this book are absolutely beautiful and very engaging to young children. I am a 2nd grade teacher and right now we are doing informational writing about a friend. Students are going to interview each other and write about one another. I read this book to my class because it highlights great question sand information to truly get to know each other deeper than surface level. After reading we came up with questions to ask our friend to really get to know them.
This would be a great book to read at the beginning of the year or to compliment a social studies unit on diversity. I live in a very diverse area and this book is a great way to highlight how diverse we are and what we can learn from each other. If one does not live in a very diverse area, this book would be great to introduce students and young children to other ethnicities and understand that it doesn't matter what the color of our skin is, or what color our hair or eyes are, but what matters is who we are on the inside and the great qualities we all have within us.
I also really like the way it talked about the power of yet and that I can't do it yet, but that I can do hard things.
This is an excellent book to use as a teacher or as a parent of young children.
Thank you KayJay Miller for writing a beautiful book with engaging illustrations that teach children the importance of acceptance, diversity and that being different is a good thing.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
This is a delightful book in which 6-year-old Marnie shares some of her thoughts on how the differences between people can be perceived, and how they should be perceived.
As a multiracial child of kindergarten age, Marnie has already experienced having some people use differences in skin colour and appearance as something pejorative, rather than seeing diversity as a thing of beauty.
Marnie also points out how something that is visible is not necessarily the thing that defines a person e.g. ethnic background or disability.
And to help us understand this, she asks a series of questions - to which the children reading the book are encouraged to provide their own answers - so that we can all get to know each other well beyond surface appearances.
This is a lovely book for young children to be introduced to ideas of difference as well as to recognise our fundamental similarities regardless of racial or religious background. The illustrations are perfect for the book as well.
There is guidance about how to consider aspects of lovingkindness provided at the end of the book so that adults can work with children on these issues. I loved that the fundamental value being taught throughout this book is kindness. Because that really is a lesson that needs to be taught as early as possible!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
I really liked this book, especially the cool pictures that show how important it is to celebrate everyone being different. When I read it with my 6-year-old nephew, he totally got the message because of the awesome pictures.
The book talks about things kids might worry about, like their hair, how they look, and if other kids will like them. It does a great job saying it's okay to be yourself and be different.
I say every kid should read this book because it helps you understand that it's cool to accept others and feel happy and loved. And I really, really like the title; it's just perfect!
Make sure to put this one in your kid’s collection; you won't be let down.
The book demonstrates in an interactive way that we should all demonstrate compassion, kindness and empathy for others whether the difference is visible or not. A very well presented lesson! The illustrations by the author are fun, simple, colorful, and delightful. Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library! I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you! @CBCBook #Diversity
Beautifully illustrated with such a positive message
I love the art style in this book. Its perfect balance of realism and children’s book illustrative style will draw children into it. The interactive nature of asking the reader, or child of the reader, questions makes it engaging.
While some “message” books can be preachy or too “in your face” for me, or my children, this author gets it right. Nothing but balanced positive reinforcement that will help children and adults to see themselves and others in the best light.
Reaching the heart of compassion, this bright story highlights all the features that make us truly unique while creating an understanding of the fundamental spirit of humanity. Although there is a main character, there are nods to other children as well, as we hear her story of acceptance. Not only is acceptance amoung peers addressed, but appreciation for oneself. Excellent builder of self-esteem as well as creating the right mindset for the community. No politics, no agenda, just love, peace, and the freedom to be ourselves.
The illustrations are vibrant and fun, perfectly complementing the book's message of inclusion and acceptance. Each page brings the theme to life, showing children that it’s the unique mix of our traits that makes friendships rich and exciting. The playful queries prompt kids to think about their own experiences and views in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking, making it an excellent tool for parents and educators to introduce concepts of diversity and empathy.
I received an electronic ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. Beautifully written interactive book. Readers meet Marnie and she shares about herself and her life. I appreciate that she shares her fears and the biases she faces from some people. After meeting her, and learning about her, she asks the readers to answer questions just like she does. It's a powerful way to help readers think about themselves and how amazing they are.
A great book to inspire tolerance, acceptance, openness, and understanding of diversity! It's rich in life lessons about being confident in who you are and being aware of your uniqueness and others, and that’s what a community means! Perfect for parents and teachers! The illustrations and characters are charming, relatable, and done with great artistry and love. I highly recommend it!
We’re The Same, We’re Different and We All Belong by KayJay Miller follows Marnie, a cheerful six-year-old who teaches kids that we are all unique and deserve equal treatment. Through her experiences, she shows that no single trait defines us and encourages children to embrace their identity. The book’s beautiful illustrations reflect diversity, making it easy for young readers to connect. KayJay Miller’s simple yet powerful storytelling promotes empathy and inclusion
This children's book is very important in an era where people are not always accepted for their differences. I love how the author makes it easy to see how alike we are, regardless of our appearance. Highly recommend this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
We’re the Same, We’re Different and we all Belong, is a delightful story with beautiful illustrations. This important message is illustrated in a simple manner and packs a big punch! A young girl, Marnie, 6 years old, tells about how we are all different, but we’re also all the same. Marnie, helps children learn to have compassion, kindness and empathy for others.
Dealing with differences is huge, and this does a good job of opening the conversation with children. It bothers me a bit that the illustration style isn’t fully cohesive, but the book tugged at my heart and serves the purpose and delivers the message so I didn’t remove a star. Really sweet and inspiring book.
This book is lovely. It’s exactly what you expect from the title. It is the narrator telling you how all people are the same but different. I really enjoy the illustrations. They’re all lively, they’re realistic, but at the same time soft and illustrated. All together it just works. The book is a little long and heavily repetitive but still a great example of the type of story it is.
This is a heartwarming and vibrant picture book. This should be on every child’s bookshelf.
I love how the author tells their story and teaches along the way. The images of different skin colors are shown and would make it easy to discuss with your children as you read the book.
This book is one that every young mind needs to read. It’s such an important lesson about the beauty in diversity and uniqueness. Outside of the fact this story has some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever seen in a children’s book, it’s written so perfectly for children to relate to.
I loved this book. Everything about it is beautiful. The message that we can be different and belong is important in this day and age. I love, love, love the pictures that will keep kids engaged. I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to teach their family important truths!
This lively and interactive picture book invites readers to explore a series of heartwarming and humorous questions alongside a charmingly quirky main character, beautifully showing that the strongest friendships are built when we embrace both our similarities and differences.
Yes we are al the same and that is the wonderful message the author has for all kids. It is so important to teach them that at an early age. I loved the illustrations, they are outstanding!
Marnie teaches kids there is more to a person than what you see. I like how she asks the readers questions. Hopefully, our little readers will remember at least one of those questions when they meet new people, because differences make us more interesting.
Considering the condition and situations our world we all live in today, this book is much needed as awareness helps curve our ignorance. Enlightening messages for my little ones. Highly recommended for all children. Nice illustrations through out also.
I love this book. It teaches children to understand everyone is different and unique and to love people just as they are and to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones to make friends.
I have a three year old and reading this to her opened a lot of good conversations about acceptance and understanding of ourselves and others. It was great!
Beautiful book - words, message, pictures! I taught kindergarten for over 12 years and wish I’d found this book earlier. Our kids need more exposure to these important themes of love, belonging and inclusivity!
What a up lifting book for kids to see that we all appear different but we are all the same. We love, we are smart, we need each other. I love this book. Great job. And the illustrations are perfect.
The illustrations in this book are so beautiful. This is an interactive book that would be good for kids to understand that we all have differences and similarities.
I really liked how they were taking turns answering questions about yourself to show how everyone is unique. BTW, the link in the back didn’t work…404.
I like that it's coming from a child's point of view and shares some very encouraging ways embrace our own differences and similarities from one another.