Just a Little Different

by Mercer Mayer

When Zack moves into the neighborhood, the kids don't want to be friends with him because he is a little bit different, but Little Critter decides he is not too different to be his friend

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Mercer Mayer is an American children's author and illustrator. He has published over 300 books, using a wide range of illustrative styles. Mayer is best known for his Little Critter and Little Monster series of books.

Reviews

[SittieCates]

I’ve bought this children’s book for my daughter. She soon memorized the tale and learned when to turn the pages at the right time even though she hasn’t started school and doesn’t know how to read yet.

Some of my friends thought I’ve already taught her to read. She’d get this book from her small bookshelf (next to mine, filled with various titles and genres meant for research and reading pleasure). With a huge smile, she’d turn the pages and start telling the story to them by using the exact words written on the pages of the book.

The lesson incorporated into this tale for kids is about learning how to value one’s “uniqueness” and “embracing others’ differences”. It encourages kids to see that differences are special. The lesson is not forced. Rather, it is told in an engaging tale that a child could easily grasp and remember even as she grows older. I like this book because of that and because it has been an instrument in starting my daughter off to her own “reading” journey as she explores the magical charm of the written word. Her tastes in literature became more varied through the years, but she has kept this as one of her favorites.

[Alex Vargas]

Just a Little Different is a picture book about a group of kids who have a hard time accepting a different person into their friend group. The new kid is part turtle, part rabbit. The rest of the kids in the neighborhood are all pure bread animals, so they find the new kid to be strange and don't want to include him. Little Critter is the only child who wants to include the new kid in their games. At first all the other kids reject the new kid. Thankfully Little Critter does the right thing and decides to be friends with the new kid regardless of what the other kids think. This book teaches some great lessons. Everyone should treat people the way they want to be treated. Just because someone is different from you or the majority, does not mean they are weird! This can be a good book to teach kids about how not to be bullies. The characters are animals which is also great for children. This book can be taught at any age of elementary.

[Madeline Volkman]

The Little Critter books are some of my favorites. This book in particular is very good because it has a great lesson in it. When the other kids don't wanna be Zack's friend because he is too different, Little Critter gets upset and befriends Zack. They end up having a great time together and eventually everyone else wants to be Zack's friend. Instead of acting mean to the other kids, Zack is happy to have more friends and plays with everyone. This book is a great way to show kids that even though someone might look a little different than you, doesn't mean they aren't an awesome person.

[Marlene]

When the other critters discover how different the new critter in town is; they're not so sure they want to play with him. So when Little Critter is curious and a tiny bit brave, he discovers being a little bit different is okay. There are a lot of things in this world children struggle to understand. Being different is one of them. I like the way the Meyers made a difficult situation not so scary. I know my students will be able to look past the differences when we talk about brave Little Critter.

[Melinda Christensen]

A tender little book about being different. Mom said, "Being different is good. Our differences make us special." Little Bear and Zack became friends, and found that they enjoyed the same things. But the little bear's friends did not want Zach to join their team because he was different. One day, they decided to build a club house. Other critters saw what they were doing and became interested. Then, the fact that Zack was different didn't matter to them anymore.

[Mort]

Teaches children you never know how a person if you don't get to know them first.

[Witch]

I love this story. It's very cute, and it has a great meaning to it. I remember feeling sad and sympathetic, as a child, to the rabbit-turtle kid.

[Jen]

Perfect book for anyone looking for a story about blended families, mixed race children and diversity. It's a children's book about racism, really. Excellent!

[Bparis]

It's great to have a book out there that sticks up for the turtle-rabbit community!!!

[Trudy Powders]

I read this book to my grandson...what a wonderful book about friendships.Also teaches us it is ok to be different.

[InkandSam]

One of many Mercer Mayer books, that will really touch your heart.