Did you know that August 13th is International Left-Handers Day? Left- handed people are definitely unique. Only about 10% of the population is left-hand dominant! Southpaws may be in the minority, but they are also in good company. Albert Einstein, Aristotle, Helen Keller, and Marie Curie were all lefties! In honor of International Left-Handers Day, Red Apple Reading has composed a list of 7 books that celebrate uniqueness.
Tacky the Penguin (Helen Lester) – Tacky is a penguin who marches to the beat of his own drum! While the other Penguins have very “buttoned up” personalities, Tacky is loud in both his mannerisms and dress. In the end, Tacky’s unique personality actually helps save the day! (Pre-school – Early Elementary)
Leo the Late Bloomer (Robert Kraus) – Leo’s dad is worried about his little Tiger. He can’t seem to get anything right! But Leo’s mom knows that he will eventually “blossom” when the time is right for him! This book is a sweet reminder that everyone blooms at their own pace. (Preschool – Early Elementary)
A Bad Case of Stripes (David Shannon) – Poor Camilla Cream! She is always concerned with what other people think of her. In fact, she will not eat lima beans (which she loves) because the other kids don’t like them! It all leads to a bad case of stripes. Will Camilla learn that it’s OK to be herself? (Elementary School Students)
Big Bouffant (Kate Hosford) – Annabelle doesn’t want a hairstyle like the other girls. She wants something exciting and different! After seeing a picture of her grandmother, she knows just what kind of hair-do she wants. This book reminds readers that it’s good to be an individual. (Elementary School Students)
The Colors of Us (Karen Katz) – Lena is learning that brown comes in many different shades! This charming book celebrates the different shades of skin colors. Children will not only enjoy the story, but they will love the beautiful illustrations as well! (Preschool – Early Elementary)
Odd Velvet (Mary Whitcomb) – Velvet doesn’t fit in with the rest of the kids. She doesn’t have a new dress like the other girls at the beginning of the year and she brings odd things to school! Will the other children learn to appreciate Velvet’s differences? (Preschool – Early Elementary)
Same, Same but Different (Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw) – Kailash lives in India and Elliot lives in America. These two boys learn that while there are many differences between their two cultures, there are also many things about their lives that are the same! A nice story about two pen pals who learn to value diversity while realizing they are also similar in many ways! (Preschool – Early Elementary)
