“Every Kid Matters” Picture Book
Note: Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book and to the Editor, Aditi Wardhan Singh, for arranging the review. All opinions are my own.
Books can positively influence children, and one such book is Every Kid Matters: A Children’s Book that Teaches Kids to Accept Themselves and Others. The debut book, written by Dr. De’Nean Coleman-Carew, strives to teach kids about self-love, empathy, and tolerance. Engaging and colorful illustrations by Noor Alshalabi feature a diverse group of characters.
The story follows NeeNee, a young African-American girl, as she starts a new school. She stands out for her brown skin and big hair. Some kids bully and exclude her because of her differences. These experiences cause her to feel bad about herself. As such, NeeNee doesn’t want to go back to school. But with the encouragement of her mother and by practicing mindfulness through meditation, she learns resilience.
An excerpt from the book:
The next day, NeeNee went back to school with her mom’s words at bedtime echoing within her, “Even when things don’t go out way, we never give up.”
At school, NeeNee witnesses the struggles of other classmates who are different, such as a Mexican-American boy who becomes her friend as well as a classmate in a wheelchair. Young readers will see how these children overcome obstacles and embrace their differences.
Throughout the story, the author weaves in questions for readers to reflect upon and encourage empathy building. The end of the book provides a list of daily affirmations children can say to themselves, such as “I am valuable” and “I am unique and that is good.”
Every Kid Matters engages readers in multiple ways. The storyline provides valuable lessons about self-worth and empowerment, while the meditative scene lets kids know they have the tools to help themselves. Reflection questions encourage readers to delve deeper into their emotions, and affirmations remind kids to be kind to themselves.
This book is ideal for children from all backgrounds. After all, its title states a universal truth: Every Kid Matters.
Where to Find Every Kid Matters
Every Kid Matters is ideal for young readers ages 4-8 years old. Find Every Kid Matters on Amazon (Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle).
Enter the Every Kid Matters Giveaway [CLOSED]
One lucky reader will win a copy of Every Kid Matters. Please enter via the entry form below. The giveaway is open to participants ages 18+ years old with a U.S. mailing address (no P.O. Boxes). Good luck!
