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Different is Beautiful
Cassius, an eight-year-old pitbull, has been stuck in the shelter for quite some time. It becomes his mission to rally all the other “special needs” animals together to change adopters' minds and find loving homes for himself and his friends. This time, the Paws 'n Claws Adoption Day turns into a life lesson for all. Cassius keeps his friends positive and their heads held high, proving that looking different is not a bad thing—in fact, being yourself is the best way to be. Different is Beautiful is a heart-warming story for children ages 7 and up that helps them accept people who may not look the same as they do. Author Penelope Lagos also offers ten helpful tips parents can use to educate children about overcoming bias.
38 pages, Paperback
Published August 29, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 31, 2021
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
What an awesome book for children! Different is Beautiful is a sweet story that teaches children to accept others as they are even if they look different. At the same time, it brings awareness to the plight of animals in shelters.
The main character, Cassius, is a pitbull. I’m sure pitbulls are difficult adoptions since many people are scared of their reputation. But Cassius stays positive and doesn’t give up. He also encourages all of the other “misfits” to believe. He’s a great role model!
The most important line in the book is said by Cassius’s new owner: “She told me we may look different on the outside, but we are the same inside.” We are all unique, but we all want to love and be loved, humans and animals alike.
The story is engaging and will keep the interest of children and the illustrations are amazing. They’ll definitely keep the attention of children.
There are even tips at the end for parents on teaching children to overcome bias.
I definitely recommend Different is Beautiful. It’s a great book to read together with your child to help them understand all of the ideas this book has to offer.
What an awesome book for children! Different is Beautiful is a sweet story that teaches children to accept others as they are even if they look different. At the same time, it brings awareness to the plight of animals in shelters.
The main character, Cassius, is a pitbull. I’m sure pitbulls are difficult adoptions since many people are scared of their reputation. But Cassius stays positive and doesn’t give up. He also encourages all of the other “misfits” to believe. He’s a great role model!
The most important line in the book is said by Cassius’s new owner: “She told me we may look different on the outside, but we are the same inside.” We are all unique, but we all want to love and be loved, humans and animals alike.
The story is engaging and will keep the interest of children and the illustrations are amazing. They’ll definitely keep the attention of children.
There are even tips at the end for parents on teaching children to overcome bias.
I definitely recommend Different is Beautiful. It’s a great book to read together with your child to help them understand all of the ideas this book has to offer.
March 27, 2021
It’s the annual Paws n’ Claws Adoption Day! The biggest event of the year! In this beautifully rendered tale, follow a group of furry pals in a shelter as they learn the importance of inner beauty, personal acceptance, and the power of positivity.
“If we work hard, we can change people’s thinking.”
It’s sad how animals that are not perfect are often neglected. Cassius was considered an old dog, which was the reason why he didn’t get adopted. But Cassius knew that he could do everything a younger dog could and still held out hope that someone would see that too. Then he found a little boy that looked beyond his “imperfection” and loved him for what he was.
“We are all unique, even animals…Different is beautiful.”
A lovely and inspirational tail!
“If we work hard, we can change people’s thinking.”
It’s sad how animals that are not perfect are often neglected. Cassius was considered an old dog, which was the reason why he didn’t get adopted. But Cassius knew that he could do everything a younger dog could and still held out hope that someone would see that too. Then he found a little boy that looked beyond his “imperfection” and loved him for what he was.
“We are all unique, even animals…Different is beautiful.”
A lovely and inspirational tail!
September 27, 2020
Different is truly beautiful
This book is so wonderful teaching readers about loving and accepting others and not judge anyone by their appearance. The poor animals were always being passed for adoption because they are different but I love how this little is drawn to a particular dog and instantly falls in love with him even though he is an old dog. He even reminds his dad about not judging. I love that the boy is so wise for his age and has so much love and kindness already. A wonderful book for all ages.
This book is so wonderful teaching readers about loving and accepting others and not judge anyone by their appearance. The poor animals were always being passed for adoption because they are different but I love how this little is drawn to a particular dog and instantly falls in love with him even though he is an old dog. He even reminds his dad about not judging. I love that the boy is so wise for his age and has so much love and kindness already. A wonderful book for all ages.
April 4, 2022
I was given an ARC of this children's story and I think it's a great lesson for us all.
Amongst the delightful graphics, the story is about an animal shelter whose 'inhabitants' are up for adoption. The lessons are plentiful - working as a team, helping each other, but one that is very important in today's world; that different is beautiful.
Despite being old or disabled or 'looking different' etc., it vital that difference is seen as an asset not a problem or a division.
I did like the tips at the end that were a great map to being a better person.
Nicely done.
Amongst the delightful graphics, the story is about an animal shelter whose 'inhabitants' are up for adoption. The lessons are plentiful - working as a team, helping each other, but one that is very important in today's world; that different is beautiful.
Despite being old or disabled or 'looking different' etc., it vital that difference is seen as an asset not a problem or a division.
I did like the tips at the end that were a great map to being a better person.
Nicely done.
September 20, 2020
Shows children that you can overcome stereotypes if you just keep being you
The moral of the story is that not everyone will like you. People will find excuses and faults to rationalize their decisions. But if you stay true to yourself and ignore those who use them against you you will thrive and reach your goal. This story was a great example and used animals in a shelter to portray that waiting will bring the changes you want. I also loved the illustrations.
The moral of the story is that not everyone will like you. People will find excuses and faults to rationalize their decisions. But if you stay true to yourself and ignore those who use them against you you will thrive and reach your goal. This story was a great example and used animals in a shelter to portray that waiting will bring the changes you want. I also loved the illustrations.
October 25, 2020
Acceptance
I absoutley love this book. I'm teacher who teaches tolerance and acceptance of others. I love how the book celebrated the special needs of animals to highlight an important message. The little boy in the story loved the dog at first sight based on their connection opposed to the dog's outward appearance. I love the animal and child perspectives in this book. Nice job!
I absoutley love this book. I'm teacher who teaches tolerance and acceptance of others. I love how the book celebrated the special needs of animals to highlight an important message. The little boy in the story loved the dog at first sight based on their connection opposed to the dog's outward appearance. I love the animal and child perspectives in this book. Nice job!
March 18, 2021
Such an adorable book! I read this with my son tonight, and he was in love! Seeing all of the illustrations have really got his attention. I loved how it was full of color, and life that there was a deep message for the children to understand..to be kind to one another. If someone is different then it should not matter in any way. It was a definite lesson for my six year old son to learn. Well done to the author!
December 22, 2021
Dogs
This is a very good book. The story is about a bunch of animals(mainly dogs) that are primarily physically challenged. There’s an event going on in which the animals have an opportunity to be adopted. They understand that they get passed over because of their challenges. The animals believe that they’re all unique and if given the opportunity, people we discover this as well. A boy desires to own one of the dogs and convinces is Dad as to why the dog is special. A great story about uniqueness, diversity, and inclusion.
This is a very good book. The story is about a bunch of animals(mainly dogs) that are primarily physically challenged. There’s an event going on in which the animals have an opportunity to be adopted. They understand that they get passed over because of their challenges. The animals believe that they’re all unique and if given the opportunity, people we discover this as well. A boy desires to own one of the dogs and convinces is Dad as to why the dog is special. A great story about uniqueness, diversity, and inclusion.
September 16, 2020
Warm, relevant and well-written
This is an excellent children's book about optimism, persistence and self-acceptance. It's also a great resource to help children (and even adults) accept people with special needs. Well written and beautifully illustrated too. We need children's books like this in our libraries and homes. Highly recommend.
This is an excellent children's book about optimism, persistence and self-acceptance. It's also a great resource to help children (and even adults) accept people with special needs. Well written and beautifully illustrated too. We need children's books like this in our libraries and homes. Highly recommend.
January 13, 2021
All the animals in the animal shelter are different, but one dog helps them believe people will not judge their differences. The hero is a little boy who reminds his dad - who judged - what he learned in school - different is beautiful. The Father agreed. Awesome story. Great read for kids & adults.
January 18, 2021
Wonderful Book About Stereotypes!
I love this book! It was such a thoughtful and heartwarming story about embracing the differences in others. It teaches children (and adults) some important lessons about not judging others based on what they look like. Great book! Highly recommend!
I love this book! It was such a thoughtful and heartwarming story about embracing the differences in others. It teaches children (and adults) some important lessons about not judging others based on what they look like. Great book! Highly recommend!
February 14, 2021
What a special story.
This is a beautiful book with a strong message. I especially like how it was the young boy, George, who pointed out to his father that it is wrong to not adopt/love an animal because it’s different or requires special needs. The talking points at the back of the book are great. Thanks!
This is a beautiful book with a strong message. I especially like how it was the young boy, George, who pointed out to his father that it is wrong to not adopt/love an animal because it’s different or requires special needs. The talking points at the back of the book are great. Thanks!
March 5, 2021
So many lessons packed into one great book!
Wow, as a fellow animal activist I loved this book about how great rescuing your next pet can be! But the book goes so much further and the true moral of the story is acceptance and how to treat others that are different! Wonderfully well written and illustrated and a true classic for your kiddos!
Wow, as a fellow animal activist I loved this book about how great rescuing your next pet can be! But the book goes so much further and the true moral of the story is acceptance and how to treat others that are different! Wonderfully well written and illustrated and a true classic for your kiddos!
March 15, 2021
Different IS Beautiful!
A story about rescue pets who are "different" in many ways but are able to show they are still capable of happiness and love. Though it is a story about animals, it also applies to humans having a loving and non-judgmental attitude for those who are different than they are. Two important lessons for the price of one! I highly recommend this book!
A story about rescue pets who are "different" in many ways but are able to show they are still capable of happiness and love. Though it is a story about animals, it also applies to humans having a loving and non-judgmental attitude for those who are different than they are. Two important lessons for the price of one! I highly recommend this book!
April 5, 2021
This is a story about different animals with special needs. Is an older dog who helps his friends learn a valuable lesson about stereotypes and overcoming bias. This was a funny book to read for all children. Illustrations were colorful, interesting, detail, and relate to the story. I have never read a book by this author, but it would not be my last. This book is great for teachers, coaches, parents, and grandparents. I give this picture book 5 stars.
May 2, 2021
This is a touching about dealing with pet adoption from the perspective on the animals. The animals have different issues like diabetes, one eye and old age. This is a great book not only for kids but also parents so that they can look at other pets instead of what's on trend. Everyone deserves a chance just like humans!
December 14, 2021
A lovely story with an important message
This was a really lovely story, with an important underlying message to accept everyone as they are, and that being different is something to embrace. The illustrations were lovely, and it was a really uplifting and heart-warming book. Highly recommend!
This was a really lovely story, with an important underlying message to accept everyone as they are, and that being different is something to embrace. The illustrations were lovely, and it was a really uplifting and heart-warming book. Highly recommend!
May 4, 2022
heartwarming
A book about animals who are “different” and don’t belong. Written from the animals POV this book shows how animals get overlooked because of age, superstition and even appearance. It takes a big hearted person to look past the differences and give each animal a loving home.
A book about animals who are “different” and don’t belong. Written from the animals POV this book shows how animals get overlooked because of age, superstition and even appearance. It takes a big hearted person to look past the differences and give each animal a loving home.
September 25, 2020
Inspiring - Adopting a special pet
It’s amazing how subjects like dog adoptions are not talked about too much or at all and this books addresses one of the many facets of pet adoption which is remarkable.
I loved the book, great subject to talk about with your kids.
It’s amazing how subjects like dog adoptions are not talked about too much or at all and this books addresses one of the many facets of pet adoption which is remarkable.
I loved the book, great subject to talk about with your kids.
February 11, 2021
Imperfection and exceptance.
This is heartwarming story about animals with disabilities, and the journey of learning to love their imperfections. Beautifully written. As humans we are all imperfect, self-love is so important. I would highly recommend this book
This is heartwarming story about animals with disabilities, and the journey of learning to love their imperfections. Beautifully written. As humans we are all imperfect, self-love is so important. I would highly recommend this book
February 20, 2021
A meaningful story with heart
Wow. I loved this. How creative to use disabled animals to teach the valuable lesson that no matter our ailments we should treat each other with love and respect! Definitely a powerful and necessary read for a child with great activities in the back and colorful illustrations!
Wow. I loved this. How creative to use disabled animals to teach the valuable lesson that no matter our ailments we should treat each other with love and respect! Definitely a powerful and necessary read for a child with great activities in the back and colorful illustrations!
February 20, 2021
Beautiful story with important lesson
The topic of the book is relevant to everyone: young or old one. It is teaching us not to judge one for his differences. We are all beautiful and amazing in our way.
Very important lesson to be learned by kids.
The topic of the book is relevant to everyone: young or old one. It is teaching us not to judge one for his differences. We are all beautiful and amazing in our way.
Very important lesson to be learned by kids.
February 23, 2021
Dogs Have Feelings Too
Wow! What a great message. I love the illustrations and seeing that judging things by first impressions is so unfair. This book has a positive message and I will be reading it again to my granddaughter.
Wow! What a great message. I love the illustrations and seeing that judging things by first impressions is so unfair. This book has a positive message and I will be reading it again to my granddaughter.
March 6, 2021
Different is beautiful!
This children's book sends a great message to children and their parents everywhere. No matter what you are, human, animal, or whatever you are, treat everyone with respect and don't judge. Think about what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot. Great book.
This children's book sends a great message to children and their parents everywhere. No matter what you are, human, animal, or whatever you are, treat everyone with respect and don't judge. Think about what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot. Great book.
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March 11, 2021Pitty love
Yay he got a home! -kid
He's cute, but they should get them all to take home...
This is an easy read story about how we shouldn't great others dirty even if on the outside they look different.
Yay he got a home! -kid
He's cute, but they should get them all to take home...
This is an easy read story about how we shouldn't great others dirty even if on the outside they look different.
April 6, 2021
Love My Uniqueness
The authoress did an excellent job with this book. I loved the tips in the back on embracing each others uniqueness, talking to children about not judging, multicultural diversity and so much more when it comes to pets and humans. A great children's read!
The authoress did an excellent job with this book. I loved the tips in the back on embracing each others uniqueness, talking to children about not judging, multicultural diversity and so much more when it comes to pets and humans. A great children's read!
August 25, 2021
A touching Message for animal lovers everywhere
Such a sweet and heartwarming story for kids that teaches them that there’s nothing wrong with being different. It encourages kids not to treat others different just because of their outward appearance. Great and positive message!
Such a sweet and heartwarming story for kids that teaches them that there’s nothing wrong with being different. It encourages kids not to treat others different just because of their outward appearance. Great and positive message!
September 10, 2021
Sweet book about accepting differences
This is a great book about learning to accept the differences in others. This book teaches a valuable lesson about what it means to be different. It also teaches emphatic in a easily understood way to kids.
This is a great book about learning to accept the differences in others. This book teaches a valuable lesson about what it means to be different. It also teaches emphatic in a easily understood way to kids.
December 19, 2021
Positive message
I loved the positive message that we are all different and different is beautiful.
I also loved supporting pet adoption, especially senior or animals who might be missing an eye or something else.
Tip section was fabulous too!
I loved the positive message that we are all different and different is beautiful.
I also loved supporting pet adoption, especially senior or animals who might be missing an eye or something else.
Tip section was fabulous too!
June 27, 2022
A beautifully, illustrated children's story for animal lovers, young and old. The moral of the story is very well written, teaching children that it's how we are on the inside that counts and not what we look like. The tips on how not to judge others on the back page is a lovely added touch also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews