अलग होना गलत नहीं: विविधता और ... बच्चों की चित्ë

by Sharon Purtill, Sujata Saha (Translator)

लिटरेरी टाइटन गोल्ड पुरस्कृत किताब हर बच्चा विशिष्ठ है! चाहे वो बड़ा हो या छोटा, नाटा हो या लम्बा, चाहे उसे पसंद हो तैरना, नाचना, गाना या बाइक चलाना शायद उनकी कुछ ख़ास ज़रूरतें हो या पृथक पृष्ठ्भूमी हो. शायद वो चश्में पहनते हों या अलग लहजे मे बात करते हों सच्चाई ये है कि सभी बच्चे अलग होते हैं और उनके विशिष्ठ शख्सियत की सराहना होनी चाहिए, न कि तिरस्कार. इस विषय को बढ़ावा देते हुए कि बच्चे एकदूसरे से भिन्न हैं, ये किताब समझाती है कि बच्चे खुद की और दूसरों की विशिष्ठ शख्सियत को स्वीकार करें. यह किताब 'अलग होना गलत नहीं', बच्चों में दया भाव जगाने और अपने से भिन्न बच्चों को अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करती है. ये किताब दर्शाती है कि एकदूसरे के प्रति सदभाव रखने के लिए, एक जैसा दिखना और एक जैसा काम करना जरूरी नहीं .पाठकों के लिए संदेश "आपको हमेशा उन लोगों के प्रति सहिष्णु होना चाहिए जो आपसे अलग है. क्योंकि वे ही हैं जो आपको सबसे भिन्न बनाते है." यदि आप 2-4 या 3-5 साल के बच्चों के लिए एक अच्छी बच्चों की किताब की तलाश में हैं, तो यह रंगीन चित्र पुस्तक एक बढ़िया विकल्प है।और आश्चर्य नहीं अगर ये उनकी पसंदीदा बन जाए और वे इसे बार-बार पढ़ने के लिए कहें.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Family, Cultural, Nonfiction, Disability, Friendship

32 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2021

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her 2019 picture book It’s OK to be Different, author Sharon Purtill for the most part successfully (even if also more than somewhat pedantically) teaches her young audience, shows to children from the age of three to about six what all children (and indeed everyone both young and old) need to internalise, accept and support, namely the fact and the incontrovertible truth of the matter that although people may differ regarding what they like, how they live, the way they look etc. everyone deserves and has to always be approached with respect and equally so with kindness.

And yes, I do think that Purtill’s focus and emphasis on universal acceptance and her celebration of differences (and also pointing out that while we might be different, we equally share many similarities as well) in It's OK to be Different is important and especially necessary for today's so very much globally connected world, and that by teaching children to be accepting of both themselves and of others, Sharon Purtill challenges the need to fit into a stereotypical idea and mould of so-called normal, while at the same time emphasising that everyone is different in one way or another (and that Purtill's use of rhyming, simple textual examples accompanied by Sujata Saha's colourful illustrations makes It's OK to be Different flow pretty well and equally renders It's OK to be Different both easy to read and also likely to appeal both textually and visually to young readers and/or listeners). However, considering that for It's OK to be Different ALL differences are supposed to be celebrated equally by Sharon Purtill, well, in particular my adult reading self thinks that text and images for It's OK to be Different not showing and thus also of course not celebrating cultural, philosophical, political, religious, educational and gender/sexuality variations (and how there are also not really any biracial people being presented and described in It's OK to be Different either), yes, this certainly feels a trifle lacking as well as somewhat problematic (and enough so for me to only consider a three star rating for the combination of Purtill's words and Saha's artwork, and that yes, a less simplistic, more inclusive and diverse text as well as illustrations with more visual emotionality and less stiffness would definitely mean a higher star rating for It's OK to be Different, would probably mean four instead of three stars).

[Carol Peszko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about accepting and celebrating differences. A rhyming verse for little ones and a good message for them to learn we are all different in one way or another, and that is a very good thing.

[Julie Reames · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected more

I guess I was expecting a deeper look at "differences". That's all I wanted to say, but Amazon says I can't submit until I have the requisite # of words...???

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's OK to be Different by Sharon Purtill is a nice story to share with young readers.

I will say, the illustration style was kind of goofy to me, but I'm not the audience it's intended for. I'm sure kids will love the unique and colourful nature of the pictures. But, right off the bat, I judged a book by it's cover (yes, it's against the rules) and was kind of like... "Meh?" For such an important story we want to tell, the cover didn't pull me in like I had hoped.

This absolutely wonderful book has a fantastic theme of being different is okay. The story can be sung along with and tells of our greatest message: Be kind and be different. It's okay! There are also prompts at the end to encourage the reader to think and answer questions. That added so much more to this book! The engagement and encouragement to discuss the story is key in books like this.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I will be keeping in my back pocket to share. I definitely recommend this as a tool for parents, guardians, educators and counsellors!

Four out of five stars!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

--

Almost too simple . . . I think this would be too basic for my neighbor in kindergarten. The book covers all kinds of diversity but made a couple missteps. For example, the pages on skin color and hair created a light/dark (white/brown and black) dichotomy that leaves out other combinations -- the breadth of our appearances. And the page on accent and language highlights a minority (in the U.S.) which unintentionally adds to the "otherness" (white people can have accents and speak other languages, too).

I know; I'm being a bit picky. But some small slights turn into microaggressions, and the boom is trying to teach mindfulness.

Most of all, I would have appreciated suggestions to look at our commonalities as well as our differences. We are all unique, but we have common traits to bond us as well. This book might be focusing on differences to a fault.

[Varvara V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with rhymes and lessons on what being different is all about. It inspires kids to accept themselves and love each other with respect.

It is a Gold Award winner which says a lot about its quality.
I recommend this book because the difficult topic of difference can be a struggle to approach with a young audience. This book makes it simple and fun to open up that discussion. Teachers can use it in order to have fun activities in class for culture day or just any random day to explore each others unique qualities.

[Mervin Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book because there was no child/person that was extremely dark skinned. Everyone was on the lighter side. Also everyone was grouped together who was similar. The white kids with the white kids, the "darker" kids all together and then all the kids with disabilities were grouped together. Then the last picture looks like the teacher is reprimanding a minority. I think the author tried, but it fell very short.

[Brhea P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to teach children about inclusiveness, and how to accept others for who they are. I like the message in this book, and the illustrations. The rhyming made it especially fun for children and the content provides a good way to start a conversation about differences and acceptance.

[Robin J · Rating 2 out of 5]

My toddler and I found this difficult to get into. Good rhymes and flow, but the sketchy illustrations don't appeal as much as others that engage my toddler as much.

[cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my students noticed that the people on the cover are in a heart shape ❤️

[Cassidy Ringle]

I would use this in the classroom to show that everyone has different features, likes, dislikes, and lives. The book talks about how some people like to swim and some like to hike or that some people might like to wear different colored socks. It also is a rhyming book which is great for young kids!

[Duvia Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this book encourages everyone to be different, and to not compare themselves to others because everyone is different. It also tells them to not be afraid to be different, and that it's not okay to make fun of others.

[Erynne Bundt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great poem style book about how we are all different. It is important to be yourself no matter what abilities, color or gender you identify with. This would be a great read-aloud!

[Morgan Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a book about how it is ok to be different and if we all looked the same how would we tell each other apart. This book ranges from being different in size, different races, liking different colors, liking different things, or even looking different because of glasses. This book is a book kids need to be read or read themselves. The message this book gives is to be kind to everyone no matter how different you may be. Everyone needs to like their own things and be their own person because if not the world would be boring if everyone was the same. I personally enjoyed this book and liked how it encouraged people to be different and that it was okay for girls to like sports and boys to like pink. You get a lot out of the pictures. The pictures very drawn differently then most other books but they are still good. The colors are bright and the pictures show things the text does not say. I highly recommend this book and think it would be a great read aloud book in a classroom.

[Diana Piccarreto-Garcia]

A rhyming picture book that, like the title estates, shows the children that it is ok to be different. It is exciting, and ages appropriate that offers children various issues to consider. The illustrations are vivid and hold the reader interested while enhancing the story. This book exposes children to multiple perspectives and values, and no negative stereotypes are represented. All characters are good and have different backgrounds. This book is not entirely Hispanic related to my text set but shows Hispanic children as part of the diversity.

[Alyssa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's OK to be Different shows kids to be kind. It also shows kids to be friends with anyone and everyone, no matter what. It's okay to be different and to be yourself. It shows they don't have to be the same to like the same things.

I love this book, and that's why I gave it 5 stars. Kids now think they have to look the same to be able to do things, and now this book can change that. Books are so important for children, and this will show them different situations of friendships.

[Talia Caires · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is excellent for teaching kids and even adults that there are many differences and each are unique and most of all that that is ok! This book lists a variety of differences in this world from appearances to abilities to likes and dislikes, this offers a perspective that encourages people to enjoy others differences as well as their own.

[Tyrrel Eddington · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredible book to show kids comprehensiveness, and how to acknowledge others for what their identity is. I like the message in this book, and the outlines. The rhyming made it particularly a good time for kids and the substance gives a decent method to begin a discussion about contrasts and acknowledgment.

[Alyson Looney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story gives you a visual opportunity to discuss race and disabilities with your child/student. “It’s OK to be Different” is a delightful children’s book with a message that every child needs to learn and hear. It’s charming rhyme is fun for kids and delivers the message without being over complicated for children to understand.

[Skye Kennedy-Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion I thought this book was good. The point to the book was to let everyone accept who they are and that it truly is ok to be different than the people around you. It is mainly for the younger kids who are having a hard time with who they really are as a person.

[Meera Jagota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Loved this. Will share it with the boys school. Beautifully explained. These books should be in every school. Thank you.

[Renee McCallion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for helping kids to see and appreciate varying personalities, cultures, abilities and more.

[Jaylin Stevens]

“It’s OK to Be Different” is a neat picture book that celebrates diversity and individuality that is known for its positive message and is intended for ages 3 to 12. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because this book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and differences. Through a series of simple, rhyming statements, the book demonstrates many ways in which people can be different with personal interests and abilities. The colorful illustrations reinforce the message that there is no one “right” way to be. It is a great resource for teaching children about acceptance, empathy, an the value of diversity. The straightforward text delivers an important message in a way that is easy for children to understand and relate to. The illustrations further enhance the positive message. This book would be a valuable addition to any elementary school or home library, as it can be used in discussions to talk about diversity, self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. It is an uplifting and heartwarming read that will build up young readers and their families.

[Linda (bythebellbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and heartwarming children’s book that encourages self-acceptance and the celebration of diversity. Through simple yet powerful language and vibrant illustrations, the book teaches young readers the importance of embracing who they are and accepting others for their unique qualities.

Purtill’s message is clear: differences, whether in appearance, abilities, or background, make us special and should be celebrated rather than judged. The book does a wonderful job of promoting kindness, empathy, and inclusivity, making it a great conversation starter for parents and educators alike.

The vibrant, inclusive illustrations by Sujata Saha beautifully depict children of different ethnicities, abilities, and personalities, further reinforcing the book’s central message. It’s a reminder for kids and adults alike that our uniqueness is what makes the world a beautiful place.

What else can I add? It is indeed an empowering read, perfect for building self-esteem and fostering a more accepting and compassionate mindset in children. Highly recommended for any home or classroom library! ☺️

[Nakya · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s OK To Be Different is a book full of diversity and inclusion with young children. It is filled with children that look different than each other but the overall theme is kindness. Kindness is for everyone, differences surround us and it is beyond important to make sure everyone is accepted and treated with kindness. This book will teach the theme of kindness and also teach children that everyone is different, including you. The personal connections that can be made to the book will benefit all children in the classroom, there are many different children represented and so many children could use this book as a mirror to their own lives or a window into others' lives. Lastly, the appropriateness of the illustrations is important because children can catch on to the message of the story by just following the illustrations. The illustrations will allow for children to see themselves in the book and possibly their classmates as well.

[Keayra D]

Intended Audience
In my opinion, I believe that this book is suitable for children the ages of 5 and up.
Key themes
The book touches on the importance of diversity and how everyone should be treated equally no matter their racial status. The book also touches on how everyone is different, and everyone has their own identity.

Why I chose this book for my library.
I chose this book for my library because it highlights the importance of diversity and how everyone is unique in their way. I will read this to my future students because it can teach them how to treat everyone equally no matter if they have a physical disability or are just different altogether because everyone is marvelous in their ways.

[Jaqueline Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story, "Esta Bien ser Diferente" by Sharon Purtill. The title is translated in English is " It is okay to be different". This book intended audience in my opinion is preschool and up. This is because it demonstrates the different ways on how we may be different. Weather that may be race, wearing glasses, having likening an activity that is not the same as another individual. For example, in the book it stated, "A Algunos ninos les gusta bailar.." translating to "A few kids like dancing." This tells us that we may not like the same thing. So the main Idea of this story is, that we should appreciate ourselves for who we are. It is important for students to value who they are and if they are interested in an activity than they should express themselves freely. They shouldn't hold themselves back for being different, instead they should know that they are unique. I would add this to my library because self appreciation is important for students to learn about. They should love themselves for who they are, and not feel interferent for a small detail or trait. That is why I would choose this book in my library.

[Tori Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through colorful illustrations and simple language, the book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and differences, whether it's having different skin colors, speaking different languages, having different abilities, or liking different things. The book emphasizes that everyone is different in their own way and that these differences should be celebrated, rather than judged or criticized. The book also teaches important lessons about acceptance and kindness toward others. It encourages children to treat others with respect and kindness, regardless of their differences, and to recognize that everyone has their own struggles and challenges to overcome.

[Michaela Klegseth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just by the title and the illustrations it shows the individual who are unique.This book celebrates the individuality of others. The differences of others that are celebrated.Encouging kids to be kind to others show that you yourself are different from them. Befriending others who are different from you can teach you and help you to know different cultures and people. To just be together is a great thing and being together when no to people look alike is wonderful. The themes portray diversity, being kind, and not bullying.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

By reading this book, students are reminded that everyone is unique in their own way. Listeners are to know that just because someone looks, acts, responds, moves, or talks differently from you, does not mean that there is something wrong with them, but that they go through life in a way that is unique to them. In response to this reading, students can draw them and their classmates, hang up the drawings in the class, and because each drawing will be different, that shows that everyone is unique