Just the Way You Are [Hardcover]

Marcus Pfister (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 2 and up

The animals are having a party and they all dream about looking different for the big event. Clever die-cuts offer tantalizing glimpses of each animals' imaginary transformation, then open to wonderfully whimsical double-page spreads-an elephant with a kangaroo's pouch, a lion with a toucan's wings and bright beak. Funny sights indeed, but in the end all the animal friends agree that they like each other just the way they are. Children will be reassured by this entertaining animal mix-and-match fantasy, which offers a warm and gentle affirmation of true friendship.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Bestselling Rainbow Fish author Marcus Pfister again explores the issue of perception and acceptance in this nutty story about animals dissatisfied with their own appearances. A lion, a toucan, a chameleon, a kangaroo, and others repeat the same conversation over and over when asked if they're going to the party that night. Each doubts whether he will go, because he believes "no one cares whether I come or not." If, however, the Lion had a beak and wings like Toucan, or Elephant could hop like Kangaroo, or Hedgehog were as colorful as Chameleon, then everyone would admire them. Ultimately, of course, everyone realizes that they like each other just the way they are, and they party on, trunks, beaks, and manes intact.

Die-cut holes in the pages reveal glimpses of the hybrid creatures; turn the page to find vibrant two-page spreads of the fanciful animals. Pfister's grainy, rough-textured illustrations may appeal to a different audience from that of his sparkly fish books, but those who like the built-in message about friendship and self-acceptance--as well as the zany amalgamations of animals--will enjoy this simple, cyclical tale. (Ages 3 to 6) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

Rainbow Fish creator Marcus Pfister has crafted a novel ode to self-acceptance in Just the Way You Are, trans. by Marianne Martens. Throughout, die-cut pages picture animals envious of other animals: Lion would like to have Toucan's beak, Toucan would like to be as big and strong as Elephant. But in the end, the animals accept their individual qualities. The Spanish-language edition Somos como somos, trans. by Ariel Almohar, is also available.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 2 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: North-South Books (February 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735816158
• ISBN-13: 978-0735816152
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #784,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marcus Pfister has written and illustrated many books for North-South, including the popular Penguin Pete and Hopper series. His books The Rainbow Fish, Rainbow Fish to the Rescue!, and Rainbow Fish and the Big Blue Whale have become international best-sellers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You're Perfect...Just the Way You Are....., June 26, 2002

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Just the Way You Are (Paperback)

Hedgehog asks Lion, "Are you coming to the party tonight?" Lion answers no, he doesn't think so. "No one cares whether I come of not." Now, if he had a beautiful beak and wings like a toucan... And as the reader looks through the die cut hole in the page, they see a glimpse of just what Lion wishes for. Turn the page and see a two page spread of this magical, whimsical new animal with a little comment from Hedgehog. "That would be fun to see. But I like you just the way you are." So begins Marcus Pfister's delightful picture book, and youngsters will revel in all the fun as they watch the hedgehog turn part colorful chameleon, the toucan grow an elephant's trunk and large heavy feet, the chameleon take on long, thin stork legs, the elephant transform into a pouched, jumping kangaroo, and the kangaroo grow a beautiful lion's mane. Mr Pfister's simple, repetitive text lets little ones "help" you read, and the marvelous, charming hybrid artwork is bold, vibrant, and dazzles with creativity and imagination. Perfect for preschoolers, this little treasure of a book sends the strong message of friendship, pride, and self-respect; that you're special "just the way you are" and others admire and accept you because you're you. "It was a wonderful party filled with good times and good friends."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, July 21, 2008

By 

D. Inness (Lynnwood, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Just the Way You Are (Hardcover)

Wonderful book to read with your child and to teach them that people love you just the way you are.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, April 23, 2002

By 

NYC reader - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Just the Way You Are (Hardcover)

I think this book will be a children's classic, right up there with "Good Night Moon". Written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister, this book explains the meaning of true friendship, but not in a preachy way. The language and illustrations are equally lovely.