We're All Different but We're All Kitty Cats: First Day of School

Title: We're All Different But We're All Kitty Cats: First Day of School

Author: Peter J. Goodman

Illustrator: Nicolas Milano

Publisher: DreamBIG Press

Published: July 1, 2012

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 52

Source: Received from publisher in

exchange for an honest review

Read: December 11, 2012

In A Few Words: Teaches an important Lesson

My Rating: 5 Stars

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Goodreads Synopsis:

“My name is Carlos and I have no fur,” the kitty cat announces on the first day of school. Using schoolroom situations that every child will recognize, author Peter Goodman creates a gaggle of feline classmates who show the way to respect and friendship for Carlos the hairless cat, who faces the challenge of being different. With the support of his mother and teacher, Carlos discovers something on the inside that makes him just as unique as he is on the outside.

Popping illustrations and expressive characters bring the tale of Carlos and his friends to life. The first in a series that brings adults and children together to discuss important social issues—this one is exceptionally relevant, given the current focus on anti-bullying efforts in schools—the book includes discussion prompts and fun facts to help parents facilitate engagement and learning at story time.

Children will be entertained as they come to realize, with Carlos and his schoolmates, what matters most: the thing we all have in common is that we are all different.
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Melissa's Musings:

This story is simple, and well told, yet it packs a powerful message. It touches on the important issue of bullying. In the story, Carlos is a cat who has no fur. When he goes to school on the first day and the teacher asks the class to share two things about themselves, Carlos shares that he likes to read books and that he has no fur. When he shares the fact that he has no fur, the class begins to laugh at him. He is teased by another classmate, but then two other classmates step in to help him. He also talks to his mom about what happens and she tells him that he is special and unique and that he should feel good about himself.

The story shows kids that it's okay to be different. It also encourages children to step up and help out a fellow classmate who is being bullied, instead of just standing by doing nothing and letting it happen. It also teaches kids to open up to parents and teachers for help in dealing with issues like these.

The strong messages are accompanied by pleasant, fun, illustrations. There is also an excellent question list at the back of the book that parents can use as prompts for talking to their children about bullying.