We're All Special (Environmental Adventure Series) [Hardcover]

Arlene Maguire (Author), Sheila Lucas (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Environmental Adventure Series

This delightful picture book stresses the uniqueness and importance of every individual in a multicultural, multifaceted world. Told through an interplay of rhyme and illustration, We're All Special conveys its message without preaching, lecturing--or boring--young readers.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Simple poetry that speaks to children of all ages-We're All Special says it both clearly and joyfully. Author Arlene Maguire says people vary in their likes and looks and in their talents and styles and she affirms each of us for being exactly who we are.... This book is bound to be a children's favorite in my home which I will be happy to read again and again and again." (Judith Frizlen, Joyful Child Journal, vol. 6, no. 2) INSIDE FLAP: "In today's world, where there is so much fear of the different, and people are expected to conform to molds in order to be 'accepted,' WE'RE ALL SPECIAL is a much appreciated book. Diversity is the substance of this universe, and the ability to function well and enjoy life among all the varied, rapidly changing aspects of our world is now not only a virtue, but an almost vital need for survival. For children to hear early on that being different is being special can be of enormous help in adjusting to society." -- Sara Klein Ridgley, Ph.D., psychology

From the Publisher

We live in a world that pays lip service to cooperation and team work but often encourages and rewards opposite behaviors. I suspect we have all been taught that we must compete and be stronger/faster/more intelligent/more sensitive/more, more, more than others are before we are considered special, either by ourselves or others. We're All Special, a charming book written in easy rhymed quatrains, addresses this notion and turns it on its head. This is why We're All Special is such a necessary addition to a child's bookshelf. Judith Frizlen notes in the Joyful Child Journal, "When I read it [We're All Special] with my four-year-old, Jason, he enjoyed the rhythmic text and Sheila Lucas' fun, colorful illustrations. He was especially lit up when he heard, 'You really are important, / You are special and unique, / From the clothes you wear / To the special way you speak.' Those words were addressed directly to him and when he looked up at me and smiled, I knew he'd gotten the message." This is a book all parents will want for their young children; it's a joy to read aloud and builds a wonderful closeness between the grown-up reader and the child listener.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Portunus Pub Co; 2 edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964133091
• ISBN-13: 978-0964133099
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,090,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book teaches tolerance and celebrates differences., June 27, 1999

By 

Erika James - See all my reviews

This review is from: We're All Special (Environmental Adventure Series) (Hardcover)

Arlene Maguire touches a special place in my heart for understanding the beauty of differences. A welcome thought in a world of divided factions, intolerance and separation from others. Illustrations are both colorful and delightul! This book is a must-read for children of all ages.