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Sweety
Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification. She's intense and passionate--and her peers don't always get her. But surely there are other mushroom lovers out there? As Sweety sets out to find them, she comes to realize--with a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth-- that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome. With heart and humor and a whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you you--and that's something many kids are going to relate to.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
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357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
May 28, 2019
You guuuuys!! It is ridiculous how enamoured I am with this picture book. It first caught my eye when it was returned at the library where I work and I have been suggesting it to my young library customers ever since I read it.
I can now check off 'read a book about a oddball naked mole rat' off my reading to-do list. Phew!
Andrea Zuill has written a charming and inspiring story about a young naked mole rat named Sweety who isn't like her classmates. She's awkward, sometimes intense, wears thick glasses and a headgear retainer and enjoys unusual hobbies and ways to express herself. She likes who she is but doesn't fit in with her peers which sometimes makes her feel lonely.
With beautiful, expressive illustrations, readers will enjoy seeing how Sweety embraces who she is. She encourages kids to be comfortable with who they are and if they stay true to themselves, they'll find others who appreciate them for all their quirky, oddball awesomeness.
Sweety is one of those children's picture book characters (like Nerdy Birdy) who will stay with me for a long time. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more picture books featuring this wee character. Sweety is brave, unapologetic about who she is and aptly named. Sweety, you are so very sweet. I get a goofy smile on my face every time I think of her.
Favourite Quote: "Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people."
I can now check off 'read a book about a oddball naked mole rat' off my reading to-do list. Phew!
Andrea Zuill has written a charming and inspiring story about a young naked mole rat named Sweety who isn't like her classmates. She's awkward, sometimes intense, wears thick glasses and a headgear retainer and enjoys unusual hobbies and ways to express herself. She likes who she is but doesn't fit in with her peers which sometimes makes her feel lonely.
With beautiful, expressive illustrations, readers will enjoy seeing how Sweety embraces who she is. She encourages kids to be comfortable with who they are and if they stay true to themselves, they'll find others who appreciate them for all their quirky, oddball awesomeness.
Sweety is one of those children's picture book characters (like Nerdy Birdy) who will stay with me for a long time. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more picture books featuring this wee character. Sweety is brave, unapologetic about who she is and aptly named. Sweety, you are so very sweet. I get a goofy smile on my face every time I think of her.
Favourite Quote: "Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people."
March 29, 2019
"Sweety could be intense." Me too, Sweety. Me too.
February 3, 2021
Would you believe? This is the second book I have read over the past 6 months about naked mole rats? The fun part about being a Kindergarten teacher...
Sweety is a cute book about the importance of being true to yourself. It is so easy to go with the flow. It is more challenging to follow that less travelled path and feel comfortable about doing it. Andrea Zuill introduces all of us to a wonderful character who shows us how those things that make us different should be embraced.
Find your inner Sweety.
Sweety is a cute book about the importance of being true to yourself. It is so easy to go with the flow. It is more challenging to follow that less travelled path and feel comfortable about doing it. Andrea Zuill introduces all of us to a wonderful character who shows us how those things that make us different should be embraced.
Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people.
Find your inner Sweety.
October 21, 2020
Sweety is a naked mole rat (don't worry... she wears clothes) who marches to her own beat. Whether it's doing her book report through interpretive dance or obsessing over mushrooms, Sweety has her own way of doing things. But this means that she often feels like the odd one out. The only one who really gets her is Aunt Ruth, who tells Sweety that she just needs to find her people... and to do that, she just needs to be herself.
The message is one of hope for those who feel like outsiders. I can't fault that at all (although, I'm still waiting to find my people after a few decades, so it's not as easy as it sounds). The illustrations are kind of hilarious, but in the best way. Sweety is so awkward with her glasses and orthodontia, but she's a girl who knows who she is, and she's happy doing what she loves (even if others don't always understand). The characters are all rendered with the same charm and the details in the pictures are quite cute.
I'd definitely recommend this book to kids who might be having a hard time fitting in. But the message to be yourself is always a good one, whether you're still looking for your people or you've already found them.
Quotable moment:
The message is one of hope for those who feel like outsiders. I can't fault that at all (although, I'm still waiting to find my people after a few decades, so it's not as easy as it sounds). The illustrations are kind of hilarious, but in the best way. Sweety is so awkward with her glasses and orthodontia, but she's a girl who knows who she is, and she's happy doing what she loves (even if others don't always understand). The characters are all rendered with the same charm and the details in the pictures are quite cute.
I'd definitely recommend this book to kids who might be having a hard time fitting in. But the message to be yourself is always a good one, whether you're still looking for your people or you've already found them.
Quotable moment:
April 15, 2019
In today’s world of teaching to standardized tests and homogenized diversity, it is harder than ever for kids who are just a little bit different to find the courage to raise their voices. Sweety by Andrea Zuill takes on the topic full bore will a little heroine that will leave readers smiling.
Sweety, an awkward naked mole rat, is more than aware that she is just a little left of center when it comes to fitting in. She just has a different way of doing things. Like all kids, she would like friends who get her. What she discovers is that changing who you are to be part of the crowd isn’t as great as finding one or two others who you fit with better. And who knows they may also looking for a friend just like them. Sweety leaps of the page in her sincerity and big heart. I would love to be her friend, she is very cool.
The story is bolstered through delightfully original artwork and speech bubbles. The characters who inhabit Sweety's world are full of expression and fun. And despite being naked mole rats, they have a real talent for accessorizing.
Sweety, an awkward naked mole rat, is more than aware that she is just a little left of center when it comes to fitting in. She just has a different way of doing things. Like all kids, she would like friends who get her. What she discovers is that changing who you are to be part of the crowd isn’t as great as finding one or two others who you fit with better. And who knows they may also looking for a friend just like them. Sweety leaps of the page in her sincerity and big heart. I would love to be her friend, she is very cool.
The story is bolstered through delightfully original artwork and speech bubbles. The characters who inhabit Sweety's world are full of expression and fun. And despite being naked mole rats, they have a real talent for accessorizing.
March 30, 2019
Be yourself is a frequent theme in children's book but never has it been so funny OR so inspiring.
Zuill's pen and ink illustration are hilarious! Zuill equips Sweety with thick glasses and a headband retainer that cracked me up and explains that Sweety could be "intense" and that others thought her hobbies were weird. Sweety yearns for a friend but sage advise from her favorite Aunt Ruth helps her stay true to who she is. And, never fear, there is a secret handshake out there for everyone!
Absurdly sweet and heartwarming, this is for that little bit of Sweety that is in all of us.
Zuill's pen and ink illustration are hilarious! Zuill equips Sweety with thick glasses and a headband retainer that cracked me up and explains that Sweety could be "intense" and that others thought her hobbies were weird. Sweety yearns for a friend but sage advise from her favorite Aunt Ruth helps her stay true to who she is. And, never fear, there is a secret handshake out there for everyone!
Absurdly sweet and heartwarming, this is for that little bit of Sweety that is in all of us.
March 31, 2019
Awkward naked mole rat finds like-minded friends when she learns to just be herself.
June 4, 2023
The librarian who was giving my holds spent a moment chatting with me about picture books. She recommended Sweety, which sounded perfect (I love naked mole rats!).
It was an excellent suggestion. Fungi! Interpretive dance! Like Olivia, Sweety isn't like the other kids. Her obsessive interests are endearing, as is her search for a friend.
Those glasses! Those braces! That doll!
Library copy
It was an excellent suggestion. Fungi! Interpretive dance! Like Olivia, Sweety isn't like the other kids. Her obsessive interests are endearing, as is her search for a friend.
Those glasses! Those braces! That doll!
Library copy
April 16, 2019
It is ridiculous how cute this book is. I absolutely LOVE it. I don't have kids but I am hardcore considering purchasing this book just to have when I am feeling down. <3
April 23, 2019
SWEETY. GAHHHHHHH.
"Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people."
"Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people."
July 18, 2019
Sweety is my patronus. I love her so much. Everything about this book made me smile, and it gave me so much joy.
June 18, 2019
Being true to yourself is exhilarating and sometimes lonely. If there is something odd about you that sets you apart from everyone else, it can be tricky to find friends. There will be times when you wonder if you should conform in order to be less alone. Yet, giving up those things which make you wonderfully unique brings its own kind of sadness. It's an age-old mental conflict.
Being a naked mole rat has its own challenges, but Sweety (Schwartz & Wade Books, March 26, 2019) written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill portrays a girl with additional quirks. Some might say this youngster is hearing an entire symphony rather than only a different drummer. She (and readers) will come to understand no one is entirely apart from everyone.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
Being a naked mole rat has its own challenges, but Sweety (Schwartz & Wade Books, March 26, 2019) written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill portrays a girl with additional quirks. Some might say this youngster is hearing an entire symphony rather than only a different drummer. She (and readers) will come to understand no one is entirely apart from everyone.
My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
November 10, 2021
Very cute. I love Sweety's exuberance and how she stayed true to herself. The popular naked mole rat's "hair" was hilarious. I especially liked that the end result wasn't Sweety somehow becoming well-liked by everyone, but that she instead "found her tribe." What a great (and too rare) message for kids! Not everyone will like you, and that's okay-- the important thing is to find the people you do click with.
October 2, 2021
I sooooo love this book. Embrace your inner nerd, be patient, and you will find your peeps!
February 21, 2022
Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you’d find your people. That made Sweetie think.
Anyway,this is what I probably be like right now:
Heartwarming.
Why? Because this book has it all.
The main message is this though: it’s okay to be different. Everyone is not the same.
And this made me cry. It’s not every day that you come across books like these.
In this book,Sweety is a misunderstood naked mole rat who doesn’t seem to fit in with her other peers.
This can be because she doesn’t know how to act around them.
She prefers to enjoy other things.
And her interest don’t really line up with other people’s. Thus,she starts to wonder why she is so different.
Is there a certain thing that comes with being different? What is it like to be different?
What I like with Sweety is that she questions everything around her and grows as the story carries on.
Eventually,Sweety learns that being different is okay.
She makes a new friend and my heart warmed up for her.
I would talk to an oddball like Sweety any day.
Topics we can discuss:
•what cellphones did teens use in the 90’s?
•why is salad delicious?
•what make a good revenge story?
•is Medusa’s story really true?
But I don’t want to bore you with all the loopholes we can possibly explore.
However,enough gibberish.
My point is: this book is relatable on every other level. Read this with your child. It’s funny and would make a nice bedtime story.
By the way: There are no Naked Mole rats. They all wear clothes.
Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2019
I'm noticing a trend in children's picture books to feature unusual and unexpected animals in stories about self-esteem. This is a wonderfully inclusive trend since many children's books feature the usual adorable fluffy chicks and bunnies, and it's nice to see the cuteness trend ignored at times. In this particular picture book, Sweety is a naked mole rat who just doesn't fit in. Her hobbies and way of expressing herself conflict with those of her classmates, and she often feels just a bit lonely. Although she sometimes wishes she could be like the other, more popular naked mole rats, she also is comfortable in the skin she's in. After a visit from Aunt Ruth, who reminds her to be herself, Sweety takes her suggestion to heart while also deciding to branch out and try a new thing or two. As it turns out, there is someone out there who shares some of the same interests as Sweety. Not only is the story itself empowering, but it's delightful to look at the illustrations of Sweety and the other members of her species. Created in pen and ink, then scanned and digitally colored, the images make Sweety and her ilk come to life. I'm sure there will be a sudden increase in the popularity of naked mole rats, complete with stuffed animals, after youngsters read this book, and I'm also hopeful that its message to embrace your own uniqueness will not go unheard. I would hope that we all have a little part of Sweety within us. Why follow the crowd? Dare to be different, and dare to be yourself.
April 11, 2019
Maybe you were a very intense child who was passionate about your interests. Maybe you were called a square peg or a late bloomer or any other euphemism people have for someone who doesn't quite fit in. Maybe it took a while for you to find your people. If this rings true at all for you like it does for me, I'm so sorry the book Sweety by Andrea Zuill wasn't there for you while you were growing up. Sweety is a naked mole rat who enjoys interpretive dance, mushroom identification, and talking about her doll Warrior Princess Zorna. Her peers clearly don't seem to quite understand her, though there are no instances of bullying in this book. Sweety loves her Aunt Ruth who completely "gets" her, and tells her that if she stays true to herself, she'll find her people.
There is one scene where Sweety wonders what it would be like to be someone else, specifically her friend Deb, who always seems to say the right thing. But this doesn't lead Sweety to betray her true self, which is entirely refreshing.
I absolutely loved this book and its message.
There is one scene where Sweety wonders what it would be like to be someone else, specifically her friend Deb, who always seems to say the right thing. But this doesn't lead Sweety to betray her true self, which is entirely refreshing.
I absolutely loved this book and its message.
April 23, 2019
Sweety is a naked mole rat, who is just a tad bit awkward, and has unusual hobbies. She doesn't quite fit in at times. Her Aunt Ruth reassures her that if she continues to be true to herself no matter what others may say or think that one day, she would find her people, and friendships will happen.
October 16, 2019
Sweety is a naked mole rat, but she's a different naked mole rat. She follows the beat of her own drum, and she longs to have someone beat a drum with her. She listens to the advise of a wise mole rat and continues on, and, as promised, she finds someone who likes her just as she is.
A new favorite for me, with the zaniest of zany illustrations and with great truth for children and all of us.
A new favorite for me, with the zaniest of zany illustrations and with great truth for children and all of us.
November 13, 2019
Oh my goodness, my favorite book about being a square peg in a world full of round pegs that I have read in a long time. I knew from the footnote on the first page that the sarcastic, self-deprecating humor would be right up my alley, and I was right. Do yourself a favor and make friends with Sweety!
October 18, 2020
Here's another must have. Had to go buy this one since I had checked it out from the library. Love the message of appreciating who you are and not changing to fit in. This is a book I feel like I need to share right now. End of the year things get testy, this would be a great one to pull out.
Read
May 15, 2019Sweety is me, I am Sweety.
A great book about being a weird little weirdo and not being afraid to march to your own freaky drummer. The illustrations are sketchy and slightly off putting, but also so ugly they're really cute.
What a good book.
A great book about being a weird little weirdo and not being afraid to march to your own freaky drummer. The illustrations are sketchy and slightly off putting, but also so ugly they're really cute.
What a good book.
March 29, 2019
This book is SO cute. It's a similar message to Nerdy Birdy, with the emphasis on awkwardness and staying true to yourself and the things/hobbies you love so that you can find your people.
April 23, 2019
Oh how I loved this book. It's dedicated to "All who have embraced their inner oddball." which hopefully is most of us, right?!
April 24, 2019
I completely related to this wonderful book. Who hasn't felt like they are a square peg? I still struggle with it. Stay true to yourself.
June 11, 2019
Only THE BEST BOOK EVER on finding your 'tribe'. Sweety is just precious, exactly for her differences. I adore this book!
June 23, 2019
Great message - be who you are and be true to yourself.
September 21, 2019
A cute picture book where Sweety, a naked mole rat, learns about being different from the group and being your own unique self.
November 18, 2019
Wonderful picture book encouraging all of us to embrace our inner oddball!
November 20, 2019
A truly sweet book about embracing--and loving--the person (or mole rat!) you are, despite your differences, and maybe even because of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews