Wutaryoo

by Nilah Magruder

Wutaryoo is tired of not knowing who she is or where she came from. Inspired by her friends' fantastical origin stories, she sets off on an adventure of a lifetime that will help reveal her true history. A heartwarming and relatable new picture book about telling your own story and finding your own truth, perfect for kids and recent graduates.

"What are you?" "Where are you from?" These are questions this mysterious creature has been asked all her life—and she has no idea how to answer. The rabbit was born from a planter's hole; the wolf was born from moonlight. All the animals know their origin stories, so why doesn't the creature now known as Wutaryoo know her own?

Confused and tired of not knowing who she is, Wutaryoo sets off on an adventure to discover her own ancestry. A heartwarming picture book about writing your own story and finding your truth, perfect for kids and recent graduates.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Adventure, Storytime, Fantasy

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2021

About the author

Nilah Magruder is the author of M.F.K., a middle-grade graphic novel and winner of the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, and How to Find a Fox, a picture book. She has published short stories in Fireside Magazine and the anthology All Out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens throughout the Ages. Nilah has also written for Marvel Comics, illustrated children’s books for Disney-Hyperion, Scholastic, and Penguin, and worked as a writer and storyboard artist in television animation. She is currently illustrating Creaky Acres, a middle-grade graphic novel about horseback riding. When she is not working, Nilah is watching movies, growing herbs, and fighting her cat for control of her desk chair.

Reviews

[Milton Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wutaryoo is a creature unlike any of the others and appears to be the only one of her kind. She got her name because each animal she would encounter would ask her Wutaryoo. When she asked them this question in return she was regaled with fantastic stories of their origin. She became so discouraged at not knowing anything about her own story, she decided to search the world to find out. She walks as far as she can, encountering creatures from the beginning of time. Just when she thinks she will find what she is searching for, she finds herself where she began. Does she discover her own story?

Wutaryoo is an endearing story of perseverance and finding oneself. This books may not be for everyone, but it was for me. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful and the characters endearing. My daughter and I thought that Wutaryoo was the most adorable of all. The message of this book is positive and uplifting, leaving you inspired to know that we all have our own stories.

Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!

Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tired of not knowing who she is, a creature known as "Wutaryoo" sets off on a quest that she hopes will help reveal her true history and identity.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wutaryoo is a unique creature, as she does not look like any of her peers nor does she know of her origins. Tired of not knowing who she is, Wutaryoo sets off on a journey to find herself. She travels far and wide: to the farthest island, to the tip of the tallest mountain, and the deepest of the Earth she could dig. But she does not find any resolutions to her identity, though she had met some of the most strangest organisms none of her neighbors ever saw before. Finding that she returned back to the spot she came from, she tells her neighbors the story of her journey in full detail and prose. This was enough for her peers to want to hear her tell her story again, no longer questioning who she is.

In a subtle way, Wutaryoo promotes the idea of self-identity and acceptance. Sometimes we do not know what or who we really are, but it is our experience that allows us to tell our story of how we see ourselves. Lovely and poetic for this story, thank you to Andrew for recommending this!

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featured in a grandma reads session.

We humans engage in social contracts every time we interact with another being. This little book shows how important, crucial even, knowing our own identity is to working out which party we are in in those social contracts, and how much collaboration is called for. . . .

Say the name of the book, and keep saying it until you hear the question - which is at the core of this little creature's journey and finally helps to set their course. We were very engaged in the journey and the outcome, and it led to an important discussion about inclusivity and the dark side of its opposite.

Cute, clever and delivers - if reader is receiving - an important message!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A most unusual creation story. Whether you pronounce the creature's name as, 'What are you?' or 'Waterloo' is up to you. Give this one to those who love stories about animals and/or nature.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strange-looking creature, Wutaryoo, is very concerned and confused. Every animal knows who they are and where they came from. What about the Wutaryoo?
Upset by not knowing her origin story, the Wutaryoo sets off on a world-wide adventure to find out just who she is and where she came from.

A great introduction for identity acceptance, zoology, power of family-style community, storytelling and even genealogy research, Wutaryoo is a delightful picture book.
I won't lie, unless the Wutaryoo is not as sweet and delightful as it looks, I'd love to have a wutaryoo. It kind of resembles a horned kangaroo-rat. Its so cute.
The affirming story of identity and acceptance is very heartwarming. Nilah Magruder does a great job with the text and these beautiful illustrations of the animals and landscapes.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written and illustrated children's book. Not gonna lie, this 42-year-old teared up a bit at the end. I may not have kids of my own, but I do have lots of kids in my life, and they'll all be getting a copy of Wutaryoo for their birthdays this year. Most of them already have Magruder's How to Find a Fox (and those that don't sell be getting that one too), and love it, so I know this one will also be a hit. And the art is just so gorgeous!

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, something about this book really stuck with me. A unique creature hears all the stories of the other animals and is discouraged that she doesn't know where she came from or her own story. She sets off on a journey to try to find out, and ends up creating her own story along the way. I like the color scheme of the cool tones in the illustrations, too.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story reads like a fable. The creature "Wutaryoo" doesn't know who she is so she goes on a journey. The creature reminded me of Ori from the video game. Such a beautiful story about finding yourself and it is ok if you don't know all the answers.

[Juniper Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah but…. We still don’t know what she is…

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little sad as Wutaryoo searches for other creatures like themselves without success. However in the end Wutaryoo realizes that they have a loving community of animals of all kinds that care about them.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This narrative and its illustrations were interesting. While reading I liked how the book felt like a fable, but then I was disappointed at its resolution (or lack thereof): the title character gained a story, but she never found or developed her own identity; she remained an unknown creature with only a question for a name. I found this especially frustrating for a character with female pronouns.

[skcocnaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

My 5-year-old and I were bothered that we never actually found out what animal wutaryoo was supposed to be. Nice illustrations though.

[MJ]

Off the bat, I am extremely in love with the illustrations. The colors are soft and blended which makes me feel like I'm in a dream-like state. At some point in the middle of the story, Wutaryoo digs a tunnel into the Earth and encounters the bones of a dragon as well as a protozoan. These specific scenes remind me about the story of the Thrinaxodon and Broomistega that died together in a burrow 250 million years ago in what is know now as South Africa. In regards of the storyline, I think the main idea is something that is more uncommon for me (which is a good thing!). I had a great amount of enjoyment watching Wutaryoo go on her journey to find her story and coming back home to tell her friends about the journey she went on despite not finding her story. One thing I think would benefit is a stronger ending that felt more like Wutaryoo loves herself.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wutaryoo is a creature unlike any of the others and appears to be the only one of her kind. She got her name because each animal she would encounter would ask her Wutaryoo. When she asked them this question in return she was regaled with fantastic stories of their origin. She became so discouraged at not knowing anything about her own story, she decided to search the world to find out. She walks as far as she can, encountering creatures from the beginning of time. Just when she thinks she will find what she is searching for, she finds herself where she began. Does she discover her own story?

Wutaryoo is an endearing story of perseverance and finding oneself. This books may not be for everyone, but it was for me. The illustrations are incredibly beautiful and the characters endearing. My daughter and I thought that Wutaryoo was the most adorable of all. The message of this book is positive and uplifting, leaving you inspired to know that we all have our own stories.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the animals have an origin story. They know how they came about and evolved into what they are today. Every animal, that is, except Wutaryoo. Eventually every animal asks the same question - wutaryoo? But Wutaryoo does not know so she answers with her own question - What are you? And so she hears all of the other animal origin stories. Finally she decides it is time to figure out her own story so she journeys around the world and back in time.but never discovers who or what she is. She is unique - not like anyone or anything else. Finally she makes it back to her home and discovers her friends missed her and want to hear all about her adventure. Her story matters. A bit philosophical and introspective. A good book for discussion.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wutaryoo is very unique with her large ears, tiny horns, and fluffy tail. I don't know why a creature that's so unique had to fit into the gender binary... She doesn't know her name and ends up going by Wutaryoo because that's what everyone asks her. She goes on a journey to find some answers, but she learns something she didn't expect. A great message that it doesn't have to be about who you are or where you came from. Your story can be about what you have done. It could also be a metaphor for people who appear different from the norm (white people) being asked, "What are you? Where do you come from?" This book could be used as a writing prompt to come up with your own origin story, whether it's for a character the student creates or a creature that already exists.

[Aura Keaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful pastel painted images of familiar creatures as well as one unfamiliar critter caught my eye first. Then, the odd title drew me in like a moth to a flame. "Wutaryoo" (pronounced: What are you?) is a story of self discovery. This small creature "with large ears, tiny horns, and a fluffy tail..." has been asked "What are you? all her life." Well, she doesn't quite know.

After a very long trek across the earth, trying to find out who and what she is, Wutaryoo hears the stories of how her friends came to be while creating a story of her own. This is an important tale of accepting uniqueness and writing your own story.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a picturebook that can appeal on different levels to children of many ages. I could be just a story of a creature going on an adventure and finding their love was at home the whole time (like the Wizard of Oz). Or it could be a creature finding their own story, and the reader can discuss with the child what their story is. This could appeal to teens, even, as they work through who they are. But this will really appeal to kids who don't fit the mold of those around them, such as a black kid in a white neighborhood, or a child of immigrants, or a neuro-diverse child, or an LGBTQ+ child.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just happened to be released on my daughter’s birthday so I had a feeling it was going to be good.
Wutaryoo is a story about a little animal that is trying to figure where she came from so she sets off on a grand adventure. Her answers may surprise you with the illustrations and sweet characters pulling you in.
A timeless read that you will be finding yourself (and your little ones) reaching for often. I loved the message and the illustrations. It naturally draws children in! My two oldest grabbed this book and started to read together all on their own, what every parent aims for.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love a story with an open end, then this is the story for you. No conclusions here.

Actually it works very well. This little animal is a made up thing no one has heard of. It goes searching for who it is. It's all alone.

It's like life right. No one can tell us who we are, we are on a journey to find out who we are, we are becoming. It's a brilliant little story with lots of animals. Kids will love all the animals.

It took me some time to figure out it's name. I feel silly. What are you = Wutaryoo.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in awhile, the animals ask her "Wutaryoo"? Wutaryoo doesn't know the answer herself-- all the other critters she encounters know the stories of their ancestors, but she seems to truly be one of a kind. Determined to find some answers, she sets off on a worldwide adventure. Wutaryoo is a gorgeously illustrated tale of endurance, discovery, and what it means to belong: you may not find what you're looking for, but you might find what you need.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

A take off of Are You My Mother? and similar books, but maybe for a slightly older audience. Wutaryoo (What are you?) doesn't know anything about themselves, so they go on a journey. They meet a wide variety of animals and see many things before winding up back home.

[Bekka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wutaryoo takes on the question of "what are you?" that I absolutely hate. First off, it's rude, and second it can be a complex thing to articulate. I think this book could facilitate a wonderful conversation about just that. Wutaryoo shows that we are more than where we come from; we are made up of what we do, see, and share.

4.5 Stars Rounded Up

[Shi Baby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, clever, cute-BUT... it's like there was no meaningful conclusion or sentiment or bigger picture. You wait the whole story for some deep optimistic message, but there is none. Just- the "wutaryoo" gets to tell the story of its journey away from home and back from home- all to never discover any sense of self...At least the other animals cared about Wutaryoo, I guess??

[Mary Wachs ☼ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, clever, cute-BUT... it's like there was no meaningful conclusion or sentiment or bigger picture. You wait the whole story for some deep optimistic message, but there is none. Just- the "wutaryoo" gets to tell the story of its journey away from home and back from home- all to never discover any sense of self...At least the other animals cared about Wutaryoo, I guess??

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its lovely but accessible prose, Wutaryoo reads like a storybook or fairy tale as it tells of a creature who wants nothing more than to learn where she came from and tell her own tale. She travels far and wide seeking others like herself. A surprisingly wistful yet touching book with gorgeous digital watercolor-style illustrations. 💜🩷🩵

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book starts out as folk tales about funny stories of where animals came from, but then gets more and more evolutionary and eventually says everything came from protozoa. So I guess I didn't like this book because I know everything came from God, not random chance. The illustrations were really pretty, though!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unidentified (to readers) creature travels through time to try to figure out what she is. All of the other animals around her have stories, and know where they came from. In the end, she learns that it doesn't matter where you come from.

Cute illustrations, esoteric story. Not recommended for storytime.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like a folktale or fable. It's a beautiful story about creating your own story. I think this could be a powerful and relatable story for those who are adopted, multicultural kids, interracial kids, and, maybe those who aren't sure where their families came from (but whose families have created their own powerful stories along the way).