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Same, Same But Different
Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different!
Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.
Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2011
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April 18, 2018I just
I hate books like this. So often they position western, urban cities with eastern or southern hemisphere rural environments, even though both of those places also have the other type of region. And often the person who is less privileged than the character whose background/country of origin matches the place where the book was published is portrayed as wide eyed and childish.
This is far from the worst offender in this "genre." And I actually really love how the illustrations come together in the end. But it still rubs me the wrong way. There has to be a better way to introduce children to global perspectives in books.
I hate books like this. So often they position western, urban cities with eastern or southern hemisphere rural environments, even though both of those places also have the other type of region. And often the person who is less privileged than the character whose background/country of origin matches the place where the book was published is portrayed as wide eyed and childish.
This is far from the worst offender in this "genre." And I actually really love how the illustrations come together in the end. But it still rubs me the wrong way. There has to be a better way to introduce children to global perspectives in books.
November 3, 2012
Love the illustrations and the juxtaposition of two different (but the same!) worlds.
I remember having a penpal from Swaziland when I was a kid. We continued to write for a couple years then drifted from doing so.
I know there are epals and Skype chats (when time zones can match up) with classes from other countries. I just don't see anyone doing them in my circles. Dunno if it's because I just don't hear about it (I'm the school librarian ... so to do anything with kids I need to get the teacher on board) or because they are so busy with testing and interventions and differentiation and accountability it keeps getting pushed down on the list of "to dos."
I remember having a penpal from Swaziland when I was a kid. We continued to write for a couple years then drifted from doing so.
I know there are epals and Skype chats (when time zones can match up) with classes from other countries. I just don't see anyone doing them in my circles. Dunno if it's because I just don't hear about it (I'm the school librarian ... so to do anything with kids I need to get the teacher on board) or because they are so busy with testing and interventions and differentiation and accountability it keeps getting pushed down on the list of "to dos."
September 20, 2017
I enjoyed this book because of its focus on the importance of understanding and acceptance of other cultures. The author, Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw, writes in a very positive tone. She celebrates the differences between the two characters and allows the reader to see the American and Indian cultures side-by-side.
This realistic fiction book would be great to read aloud to children in grades K-5, as it should spark many wonderful conversations about differences and similarities amongst cultures. I think that this would give students an understanding of the cultures of people around the world, and even their own classroom! I truly believe that when people understand each other, they are less likely to judge.
There are so many ways that teachers could use this book in their classroom. One way is as a read aloud at the beginning of the year to build a sense of community and acceptance. It could be used to start a research project about their own cultures and/or exploring another culture that they would like to know more about. This book could be used to introduce letter writing and be a reason to seek out a pen pal for the class.
This book is a WOW book for me because I have many students from different cultures and backgrounds and I know that this is a great conversation piece. I’ve had students say that something from another culture was “weird” when they really just meant different. I know that if we can dig deeper into our cultures, we can find many similarities. I have never been to India, and this book showed me a small window of what it is like there. I can’t wait to hear many students of mine elaborate on similarities and differences that they noticed in the book from when they were in India. I just know that this book will spark so many great conversations about the positives of being different and I can’t wait to read it to them!
This realistic fiction book would be great to read aloud to children in grades K-5, as it should spark many wonderful conversations about differences and similarities amongst cultures. I think that this would give students an understanding of the cultures of people around the world, and even their own classroom! I truly believe that when people understand each other, they are less likely to judge.
There are so many ways that teachers could use this book in their classroom. One way is as a read aloud at the beginning of the year to build a sense of community and acceptance. It could be used to start a research project about their own cultures and/or exploring another culture that they would like to know more about. This book could be used to introduce letter writing and be a reason to seek out a pen pal for the class.
This book is a WOW book for me because I have many students from different cultures and backgrounds and I know that this is a great conversation piece. I’ve had students say that something from another culture was “weird” when they really just meant different. I know that if we can dig deeper into our cultures, we can find many similarities. I have never been to India, and this book showed me a small window of what it is like there. I can’t wait to hear many students of mine elaborate on similarities and differences that they noticed in the book from when they were in India. I just know that this book will spark so many great conversations about the positives of being different and I can’t wait to read it to them!
September 23, 2011
Elliot and Kailash are new pen pals. As they share letters, they share the differences and similarities of their lives in Elliot’s America and Kailash’s India. Both boys like to climb trees. Their families are very different with Elliot living with his mother, father and baby sister and Kailash living with an extended family of 23. They both have pets, but the pets are different. Both boys take a bus to school, but the communities are very different except for the traffic. The boys discover that they can be friends despite their obvious differences by looking to see how much they are actually they same.
Kostecki-Shaw writes with a very positive tone here. Through the two boys, she demonstrates how we are all so much more similar than we may realize. At the same time, she rejoices in the differences between the two characters, allowing us to see the different cultures side-by-side.
Her art is very effective as well, rendering both cultures with bright colors, plenty of motion, and a natural energy that captures the eye. She makes the differences between the cultures quite compelling.
A perfect book to share in a class along with a pen pal unit, this book is also a good pick for sharing when discussing differences since it takes such a positive approach. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Kostecki-Shaw writes with a very positive tone here. Through the two boys, she demonstrates how we are all so much more similar than we may realize. At the same time, she rejoices in the differences between the two characters, allowing us to see the different cultures side-by-side.
Her art is very effective as well, rendering both cultures with bright colors, plenty of motion, and a natural energy that captures the eye. She makes the differences between the cultures quite compelling.
A perfect book to share in a class along with a pen pal unit, this book is also a good pick for sharing when discussing differences since it takes such a positive approach. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
January 17, 2012
This is the story of two boys are the same, same, but different. Although Elliot lives in America and Kailash in India, the pen pals discover their similarities through letters and drawings. They both take the bus to school, although one is a yellow bus and the other powered by bicycle. They both live in cities, although the sights on the streets differ. The illustrations are combination of childlike drawings and paper collage. Pages are marked with an E (Elliot) or K (Kailash) to make it clear which world the pages are depicting. Although Kosstecki-Shaw points out the cultural differences, she does so in a very positive and celebratory way.
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
Full Review at Picture-Book-a-Day: http://picturebookaday.blogspot.com/2...
April 19, 2015
A library customer asked me to share this with my dear friend and colleague who is from Kolkata and just returned from a visit there. The concept - Indian and American pen-pals who find that so much in their lives is "same, same but different" - is realized through evocative illustrations and the sweet storyline, in which the boys compare families, pets, cities, alphabets, and even their favorite classes - art and yoga - where each boy "can be anything." The concluding pages made me a little teary! I have read so many beautiful picture books over the past few months, but there's so much more great illustration and storytelling - sheer talent - out there to discover.
April 19, 2015
Living in two countries has made me appreciate this concept even more - same, same but different. I always say to whoever will listen that at some level there is not too much of a difference amongst us humans. The core values of goodness, kindness are truly the same. Living conditions, cultures, economics, indoctrination of some ideas may create divides but if one can look beyond the boundaries we will find we are 'Same, same but different.'
November 11, 2011
Realistic Fiction - I loved sharing this brand new book with my students. A great side-by-side story of a US child and an Indian child's day-by-day activities and experiences.
I have an Indian student and it is important to me that her culture was represented in our genre unit as well.
I have an Indian student and it is important to me that her culture was represented in our genre unit as well.
February 2, 2023
Text to Self-Connection
When I was a child, I moved around a lot because my father was in the military. Sometimes, I was in a new state every other year. As a new student walking into yet another classroom full of strangers, this book reminded me of that feeling of discovering that even though (at times) my new classmates looked or sounded vastly different, we still had many similarities that allowed us to find common ground. I remember when we moved from Pennsylvania to Texas, it felt like I was moving to a foreign land. Gone were the green, rolling hills of my hometown, replaced by a hot, flat landscape that was more dust and tumbleweed than I ever anticipated. I didn't understand the accent and I couldn't understand the appeal of BBQ and a Coke over a chip chop ham sandwich with a malt, eventually I was able to find ways that we shared similar interests even though they looked different. Although my childhood didn't involve making friendships with children that climbed trees with monkeys, I did have to learn how to understand Texas Southern (which is different than Tennessee or Georgia Southern). I had to replace words like pop with Coke, even if it was a Sprite. But as I learned, while Texan children didn't go ice-skating on the pond in winter, they roller-skated in the park in December. This book reminded me of all those first days of establishing connections with new people and forming friendships with new classmates. Even though the book was focused on making friends and finding commonalities with a pen pal, it still resonated with that little girl version of me, who spent a childhood searching for common ground with a revolving door of new friends.
When I was a child, I moved around a lot because my father was in the military. Sometimes, I was in a new state every other year. As a new student walking into yet another classroom full of strangers, this book reminded me of that feeling of discovering that even though (at times) my new classmates looked or sounded vastly different, we still had many similarities that allowed us to find common ground. I remember when we moved from Pennsylvania to Texas, it felt like I was moving to a foreign land. Gone were the green, rolling hills of my hometown, replaced by a hot, flat landscape that was more dust and tumbleweed than I ever anticipated. I didn't understand the accent and I couldn't understand the appeal of BBQ and a Coke over a chip chop ham sandwich with a malt, eventually I was able to find ways that we shared similar interests even though they looked different. Although my childhood didn't involve making friendships with children that climbed trees with monkeys, I did have to learn how to understand Texas Southern (which is different than Tennessee or Georgia Southern). I had to replace words like pop with Coke, even if it was a Sprite. But as I learned, while Texan children didn't go ice-skating on the pond in winter, they roller-skated in the park in December. This book reminded me of all those first days of establishing connections with new people and forming friendships with new classmates. Even though the book was focused on making friends and finding commonalities with a pen pal, it still resonated with that little girl version of me, who spent a childhood searching for common ground with a revolving door of new friends.
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April 25, 2014Picture book #1 Same, Same but Different
1. This is a story about two boys who are “Picture Pals” instead of Pen pals; they draw art and send it to each other. One boy seems to be from a big city in America, the other boy seems to be from India (they never really say in the story). Throughout the story, they draw about their families, towns, languages and schools. The connection I made with this book is a text to self connection in part of the book where the boys send pictures of how they say “hello” in each of their cultures. I don’t have or have ever had a pen pal, much less a “Picture Pal,” but I do have some deaf friends whom communicate differently in their language. They say “hello” and any words to communicate using their hands, whereas in the speaking culture, we can talk. These friends have taught me a lot about their culture by using signs and understanding that even though they may be Caucasian, the deaf people have their own culture since they are not hearing. They taught me at a young age of third grade, that even though we live in the same places, the way they are treated is not often very kind. So just because people live in the same country, doesn’t always mean they have the same culture, but we are all humans and just want to be friendly toward each other.
2. Remembering: What is the difference between Elliot’s and Kailash’s ride to school?
Understanding: Explain what is meant by “My favorite class is yoga, where I can be anything.”?
Applying: What questions would you ask Kailash about his culture or country if you were Elliot writing from the United States?
Analyzing: How would you compare Elliot’s family and house from Kailash’s family and house?
Evaluating: What is your opinion of Kailash’s culture and why do you feel that way?
Creating: Invent a new scenario. Draw a new picture for Kailash about America and what you do for fun.
3. (2011, August 01). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
1. This is a story about two boys who are “Picture Pals” instead of Pen pals; they draw art and send it to each other. One boy seems to be from a big city in America, the other boy seems to be from India (they never really say in the story). Throughout the story, they draw about their families, towns, languages and schools. The connection I made with this book is a text to self connection in part of the book where the boys send pictures of how they say “hello” in each of their cultures. I don’t have or have ever had a pen pal, much less a “Picture Pal,” but I do have some deaf friends whom communicate differently in their language. They say “hello” and any words to communicate using their hands, whereas in the speaking culture, we can talk. These friends have taught me a lot about their culture by using signs and understanding that even though they may be Caucasian, the deaf people have their own culture since they are not hearing. They taught me at a young age of third grade, that even though we live in the same places, the way they are treated is not often very kind. So just because people live in the same country, doesn’t always mean they have the same culture, but we are all humans and just want to be friendly toward each other.
2. Remembering: What is the difference between Elliot’s and Kailash’s ride to school?
Understanding: Explain what is meant by “My favorite class is yoga, where I can be anything.”?
Applying: What questions would you ask Kailash about his culture or country if you were Elliot writing from the United States?
Analyzing: How would you compare Elliot’s family and house from Kailash’s family and house?
Evaluating: What is your opinion of Kailash’s culture and why do you feel that way?
Creating: Invent a new scenario. Draw a new picture for Kailash about America and what you do for fun.
3. (2011, August 01). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com/DetailedV...
October 19, 2016
Synthesis: Two children, Elliot and Kailash, live on opposite sides of the world and are penpals. The boys write back and forth and tell each other about themselves. Through this, they learn that although they have a lot of differences, they have just as many similarities. For example, they have different living situations, different transportation to school, and different alphabets. The boys keep referring to themselves as being the “same, same but different” until the end of the story when they discover that even though it seems as though they live in two different worlds, they really live in the same one and consider themselves, “different, different but the same.”
Teaching Connections: I would use this book as an introduction to multiculturalism. I think it is such an excellent way to show students that even though it may seem as though you have nothing in common with someone that comes from a different background than yourself, we are all from one Earth and most likely share many similarities.
I also think the concept of penpals is a very good tool to point out in the book because letter writing is typically an exciting way to get students to work on their writing skills.
Why this is a WOW Book: This book particularly stood out to me because of the way the author approached the characters. I feel like it is often a touchy subject to talk about differences and diversity in a classroom, especially with young children, but the author does a great job of acknowledging both the similarities and differences. He could have simply pointed out how the two boys are the same and avoided discussing their differences, but he structured it in the perfect way that children can easily understand and respect.
Teaching Connections: I would use this book as an introduction to multiculturalism. I think it is such an excellent way to show students that even though it may seem as though you have nothing in common with someone that comes from a different background than yourself, we are all from one Earth and most likely share many similarities.
I also think the concept of penpals is a very good tool to point out in the book because letter writing is typically an exciting way to get students to work on their writing skills.
Why this is a WOW Book: This book particularly stood out to me because of the way the author approached the characters. I feel like it is often a touchy subject to talk about differences and diversity in a classroom, especially with young children, but the author does a great job of acknowledging both the similarities and differences. He could have simply pointed out how the two boys are the same and avoided discussing their differences, but he structured it in the perfect way that children can easily understand and respect.
January 16, 2012
Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw is the story of two pen pals, Elliot from the U.S. and Kailash from India. By exchanging letters and pictures they learn that their worlds may look different, but they are actually similar.
The straight forward yet clever text is in a large font, in several colors, making this a good choice as a storytime read-aloud. The boys learn through questions, comments and pictures that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school where they enjoy their favorite class.
The colorful illustrations were made using acrylics, crayon, pencil, collage and tissue paper on Strathmore illustration board. I found Kailash's pictures more entertaining, whimsical and fun. My favorite images include the covers, the stamp endpapers, Elliot's art class, Kailash's world, Kailash in the tree, Kailash's family and animals, Kailash's village, Kailash in traffic, two school buses, two alphabet's, two favorite classes, and the boys asleep.
While the boys could have been Skyping or emailing, I found the pen pal concept and the exchanged child-like drawings to be revealing and more entertaining. I found the illustrations clever and appealing. This could be useful in school for multicultual or art units. While this would be a fun read-aloud, the illustrations deserve to be studied one on one for their amusing details. Recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 4 to 7, multicultural, art, differences, writing, and fans of Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw.
The straight forward yet clever text is in a large font, in several colors, making this a good choice as a storytime read-aloud. The boys learn through questions, comments and pictures that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school where they enjoy their favorite class.
The colorful illustrations were made using acrylics, crayon, pencil, collage and tissue paper on Strathmore illustration board. I found Kailash's pictures more entertaining, whimsical and fun. My favorite images include the covers, the stamp endpapers, Elliot's art class, Kailash's world, Kailash in the tree, Kailash's family and animals, Kailash's village, Kailash in traffic, two school buses, two alphabet's, two favorite classes, and the boys asleep.
While the boys could have been Skyping or emailing, I found the pen pal concept and the exchanged child-like drawings to be revealing and more entertaining. I found the illustrations clever and appealing. This could be useful in school for multicultual or art units. While this would be a fun read-aloud, the illustrations deserve to be studied one on one for their amusing details. Recommended for school and public library collections.
For ages 4 to 7, multicultural, art, differences, writing, and fans of Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw.
June 11, 2014
Text to Self
Elliot and Kailash are picture pals who learn about their similarities and differences as they mail pictures to one another. This story reminds me of the pen pal I had when I was in elementary school. In third grade we were given the names of students, also in third grade, from another state. We were each paired up with a pen pal to whom we would write monthly. Through our letters, we were able to find things we had in common and also shared some differences about where we lived, what our schools were like, and what we liked to do for fun. My pen pal experience ended once I was out of third grade, but it was one of the things I liked most about school that year.
1. What are the names of the two main characters in the story? (Remembering)
2. Explain why the story’s title is, Same, Same but Different. (Understanding)
3. What questions would you ask the boys in the story? List 2 for each. (Applying)
4. Compare and contrast Elliot and Kailash using a Venn Diagram. (Analyzing)
5. Why do you think the author ended the text with the phrase, “different, different but the same,” instead of, “same, same but different?” (Evaluating)
6. Create a picture that you might send to either Elliot or Kailash that shows how you are the “same, same but different.” (Creating)
(2011, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
Elliot and Kailash are picture pals who learn about their similarities and differences as they mail pictures to one another. This story reminds me of the pen pal I had when I was in elementary school. In third grade we were given the names of students, also in third grade, from another state. We were each paired up with a pen pal to whom we would write monthly. Through our letters, we were able to find things we had in common and also shared some differences about where we lived, what our schools were like, and what we liked to do for fun. My pen pal experience ended once I was out of third grade, but it was one of the things I liked most about school that year.
1. What are the names of the two main characters in the story? (Remembering)
2. Explain why the story’s title is, Same, Same but Different. (Understanding)
3. What questions would you ask the boys in the story? List 2 for each. (Applying)
4. Compare and contrast Elliot and Kailash using a Venn Diagram. (Analyzing)
5. Why do you think the author ended the text with the phrase, “different, different but the same,” instead of, “same, same but different?” (Evaluating)
6. Create a picture that you might send to either Elliot or Kailash that shows how you are the “same, same but different.” (Creating)
(2011, August 1). School Library Journal. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
April 27, 2014
Same, Same But Different (Primary)
This book reminds me of my pen pal when I was younger!!! We met when both of our families were on vacation in Florida at a resort and wrote back and forth to one another through high school. She was from Chicago, so it was a very big city. We were the same age, but we always wrote about our different experiences. I think this book would be very beneficial to use in the classroom to teach students about different cultures.
Remembering: Where is Elliot from and where is Kailash from?
Understanding: Explain why the author chose the title Same, Same But Different for this story
Applying: What kinds of questions would you ask in your letter to Kailash? What kinds of questions would you ask in your letter to Elliot?
Analyzing: How would you compare and contrast Elliot and Kailash? How are they the same? How are they different?
Evaluating: Where would you want to write a letter if you could write a letter to a pen pal in another country?
Creating: What inferences can you make about Kailash and his country/culture?
Annotated Citation:(2011, July 11) Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
This book reminds me of my pen pal when I was younger!!! We met when both of our families were on vacation in Florida at a resort and wrote back and forth to one another through high school. She was from Chicago, so it was a very big city. We were the same age, but we always wrote about our different experiences. I think this book would be very beneficial to use in the classroom to teach students about different cultures.
Remembering: Where is Elliot from and where is Kailash from?
Understanding: Explain why the author chose the title Same, Same But Different for this story
Applying: What kinds of questions would you ask in your letter to Kailash? What kinds of questions would you ask in your letter to Elliot?
Analyzing: How would you compare and contrast Elliot and Kailash? How are they the same? How are they different?
Evaluating: Where would you want to write a letter if you could write a letter to a pen pal in another country?
Creating: What inferences can you make about Kailash and his country/culture?
Annotated Citation:(2011, July 11) Publishers Weekly. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
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June 7, 2014A. Text to Self Connection: I love meeting people who are not from Omaha and especially when they are not from the United States. I find it fascinating to hear their stories. I notice our differences but, I'm amazed by our similarities. For instance, I was looking at a photo from a refugee camp in Thailand and was amazed to see satellite dishes fixed to the top of some of the bamboo homes and hear that many of these bamboo homes were wired for television!
B. Six Discussion Questions (Bloom's Revised Taxonomy)
1. Remembering: Who were the characters and what countries did each character come from in the book Same, Same but Different?
2. Understanding: Describe what is meant by the title Same, Same but different?
3. Applying: Imagine you have a pen pal who lives in another country. What questions would you ask your pen pal?
4. Analyzing: How are the boys similar and different in the book Same, Same but Different?
5. Evaluating: Would you recommend writing to a pen pal in another country? Why or Why Not?
6. Creating: Create a new pen pal who is from Mexico. How would you rewrite the selection from this pen pal's point of view?
C. (2011, October 1). Booklist.
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
B. Six Discussion Questions (Bloom's Revised Taxonomy)
1. Remembering: Who were the characters and what countries did each character come from in the book Same, Same but Different?
2. Understanding: Describe what is meant by the title Same, Same but different?
3. Applying: Imagine you have a pen pal who lives in another country. What questions would you ask your pen pal?
4. Analyzing: How are the boys similar and different in the book Same, Same but Different?
5. Evaluating: Would you recommend writing to a pen pal in another country? Why or Why Not?
6. Creating: Create a new pen pal who is from Mexico. How would you rewrite the selection from this pen pal's point of view?
C. (2011, October 1). Booklist.
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
August 23, 2011
I found this a quite odd work. It takes on a familiar topic in children's books: things/life/people/etc. in different cultures are similar in some ways and different in others. (So, it is at least perhaps a step better than those books that ridiculously try to point out how we are all alike.) But it feels like it is a work that is in a time warp. Perhaps 25 or more years ago when children in the US or other parts of the globe may not really have seen much of each other, this would have been a useful addition to children's social/cultural understanding. it seems, however, to have lost sight of something called the Internet and the speed at which globalization has occurred in the past decade by comparing rather 'surfacy' features in the comparative/contrastive settings. In short, I think the book underestimates where many children are these days in terms of their knowledge. In some respects, I guess, there is nothing wrong with the work--just that, in my estimation, it does little to push any frontiers of global understanding.
June 9, 2014
Bloom's Questions:
1. Can you tell me three things that were the same between the two boys?
2. Explain why the author continues to use the title through the book.
3. What examples can you find to support the differences between the two boys?
4. How would you compare yourself with these two boys?
5. It states that they are 'best friends even though we live in two different worlds. Or do we?' What is your opinion of how the author ended the story this way?
6. What inferences can you make about cultures around the world, when looking at the culture through the eyes of a child?
Text to Self: When I was young, we had a foreign exchange student. Although we were from different countries and different cultures we both still liked to play games, eat pizza, and watch movies therefore the same.
Book Review: (August 2011). School Library Journal.
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
1. Can you tell me three things that were the same between the two boys?
2. Explain why the author continues to use the title through the book.
3. What examples can you find to support the differences between the two boys?
4. How would you compare yourself with these two boys?
5. It states that they are 'best friends even though we live in two different worlds. Or do we?' What is your opinion of how the author ended the story this way?
6. What inferences can you make about cultures around the world, when looking at the culture through the eyes of a child?
Text to Self: When I was young, we had a foreign exchange student. Although we were from different countries and different cultures we both still liked to play games, eat pizza, and watch movies therefore the same.
Book Review: (August 2011). School Library Journal.
http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
November 19, 2016
* Book Summary
Two little boys one from the United States and one from idea exchange letters to compare their world. They realize how similiar yet different they are. For example, the Indian student has pets just like Elliot but it is not a dog or cat his pets are cows, sheeps, and horses.
*awards
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for New Illustrator (2012), South Asia Book Award for Grades 5 & Under (2012)
* Grade Level/ Interest level
2nd grade
* Appropriate Classroom Use
I would use this book when learning about different cultures.
*Student Who Might Benefit From Reading
All students can benefit from this book by learning about different cultures.
* Small Group Use / Whole Class Use
I would ask students to compare their lifes with eachother, however I would also like to do the samething that was done in the book and have students send letters to a different country to learn more authentic information.
*Related Book In Genre
My Travelin' Eyes
*Multimedia Connections
N/A
Two little boys one from the United States and one from idea exchange letters to compare their world. They realize how similiar yet different they are. For example, the Indian student has pets just like Elliot but it is not a dog or cat his pets are cows, sheeps, and horses.
*awards
Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for New Illustrator (2012), South Asia Book Award for Grades 5 & Under (2012)
* Grade Level/ Interest level
2nd grade
* Appropriate Classroom Use
I would use this book when learning about different cultures.
*Student Who Might Benefit From Reading
All students can benefit from this book by learning about different cultures.
* Small Group Use / Whole Class Use
I would ask students to compare their lifes with eachother, however I would also like to do the samething that was done in the book and have students send letters to a different country to learn more authentic information.
*Related Book In Genre
My Travelin' Eyes
*Multimedia Connections
N/A
October 16, 2017
Same, Same but Different, is a great book about two different boys from different sides of the worlds. They are pen pals through their schools and explain to each other their daily lives. The book's illustrations show how the two boys live similar lives just in different places. They describe how they live with their families, in towns and cities, and what they learn in school. I really enjoyed how the book shows cultural difference like how in America we shake hands to say hello but in India they bow their heads. These details show children that not every where does the same things. I think this book gets children interested in how others live their lives in different places in the world. It's a simple read and the illustrations really show how different the two places are although their situations are very similar.
November 28, 2011
k-3
This is really a fabulous book - great art that extends the story of a pen pal relationship between two boys. The phrase "same same but different" repeats throughout the book, giving it shape and allowing for the reader/audience to repeat with the characters. This would be great with a unit on maps or worlds or letter writing. I would like to see this one considered for the Caldecott honor books. Pairs nicely with Alice McGinty's Thank You, World. Could also use with an older storytime (4's and 5's). Media used is crayon and watercolor, so has child-like nuances.
This is really a fabulous book - great art that extends the story of a pen pal relationship between two boys. The phrase "same same but different" repeats throughout the book, giving it shape and allowing for the reader/audience to repeat with the characters. This would be great with a unit on maps or worlds or letter writing. I would like to see this one considered for the Caldecott honor books. Pairs nicely with Alice McGinty's Thank You, World. Could also use with an older storytime (4's and 5's). Media used is crayon and watercolor, so has child-like nuances.
August 14, 2020
Ages: 2-6
Same, Same but Different is a look at two pen pals that live in two different parts of the world. Elliot describes his everyday activities living in America in his letters to Kailash who live in India. Although the two boys engage in similar activities, their environments look completely different. The vivid drawings make this book come to life.
Awards/Recognitions: Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
Find more children's books that support diversity and tolerance in my post https://www.teacher-librarian-forlife...
Same, Same but Different is a look at two pen pals that live in two different parts of the world. Elliot describes his everyday activities living in America in his letters to Kailash who live in India. Although the two boys engage in similar activities, their environments look completely different. The vivid drawings make this book come to life.
Awards/Recognitions: Ezra Jack Keats Book Award
Find more children's books that support diversity and tolerance in my post https://www.teacher-librarian-forlife...
September 25, 2016
This colorful and inviting story, is about two pen-pals. One who lives in America and the other in India, two very different places in the world. They exchange letters, pictures, and they get to learn that although they live in different parts of the world, they are still "same, same, but different!" Soon they learn that they both love to climb trees, go to school, and have pets. Such an adorable book about friendship!
February 15, 2018
I loved this picture book about pen pals who, in sharing about their lives, realize that they have many, many similarities (amongst their differences) despite living in two different countries. I am hoping to recreate a version of this book with children in Idaho and children in Nicaragua this summer, and as such, I have both the English and Spanish versions of the text-- a fun read!
August 25, 2011
Are kids pen pals anymore? It seems like hardly anyone writes letters these days and it seems especially unlikely children would do it. Email seems more likely. Although the mode of communication Elliot and Kailash use seems anachronistic, the story is enjoyable and the illustrations are vibrant.
April 1, 2011
I am madly in love with this picture book about two pen pals (a boy in the U.S. and a boy in India). Vibrant, fun, and clever, clever, clever, I think it's a "must have" for any classroom. Wonderful!
May 21, 2013
Fantastic illustrations! Text is short and sweet. Nice read aloud for exploring multiculturalism.
August 16, 2013
A cute introduction to exploring other cultures.
October 31, 2013
Beautiful artwork, nice story.
October 11, 2017
This book helps young readers to know that even though our skin and culture maybe different, we are the same. Good book to help children learn about acceptance.
December 10, 2018
1. This book won the following awards: Illinois Monarch K-3 Children's Choice AW ML, Illinois Monarch Award: K-3 Children's Choice Award Master List, GA Picture Storybook Award ML, Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, Texas Armadillo Readers' Choice, MD Frostburg State University Children's Literature Centre Award, Indiana Young Hoosier Award Master List.
2. This book is appropriate for grades Pre-K to Second Grade.
3. Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kotstecki-Shaw is about a pen-pal relationship that formed between two students, Elliot and Kailash, who live in two different countries. As a result of this, they share their similarities and differences such as family styles, pets, and even how they get to school. They accept their similarities and differences throughout the story, and ultimately coexist with each other.
4. This book is a fantastic representation of acceptance across borders. With our current political climate, I believe that this book is an absolute necessity in the classroom because it illustrates how we may have different cultures and traditions, but we are all human on this planet. Elliot and Kailash represent a beautiful bond that not only students, but everyone should strive for.
5. I would use this book to segue into a self-portrait exercise in which everyone draws their faces with exact colors to demonstrate differences. Then, I would hang up all of their portraits to show how different everyone is. I would also use this book to have a discussion about all of the different cultural traditions from home that we have in my classroom.
2. This book is appropriate for grades Pre-K to Second Grade.
3. Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kotstecki-Shaw is about a pen-pal relationship that formed between two students, Elliot and Kailash, who live in two different countries. As a result of this, they share their similarities and differences such as family styles, pets, and even how they get to school. They accept their similarities and differences throughout the story, and ultimately coexist with each other.
4. This book is a fantastic representation of acceptance across borders. With our current political climate, I believe that this book is an absolute necessity in the classroom because it illustrates how we may have different cultures and traditions, but we are all human on this planet. Elliot and Kailash represent a beautiful bond that not only students, but everyone should strive for.
5. I would use this book to segue into a self-portrait exercise in which everyone draws their faces with exact colors to demonstrate differences. Then, I would hang up all of their portraits to show how different everyone is. I would also use this book to have a discussion about all of the different cultural traditions from home that we have in my classroom.
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