In the last few years, authors, illustrators, and publishers have given us so many delightful books that help children grow in comfort, and maybe even celebrate, their unique selves, gifts, and personalities. While many of my posts this month will center around growth mindset books or activities, I’m taking a brief break from that today to bring you a “new to us” book that celebrates being yourself: Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph.
Part search-and-find, part wonderfully rhythmic and rhyming read-aloud, and part inspirational story, Odd Dog Out is a delightful story to read with young ones and encourage them to follow their own interests, or as the book states, “dance to a different beat” or “whistle to a different tune.” At first, Odd Dog seems content being herself… Until she appears to start to notice just how different she is from the other dogs. She dresses differently, flies differently, and plays differently. Forlorn and alone, Odd Dog decides to leave her hometown behind and travel until she finds a place where she feels she fits in better.
Upon finding her new “happy” home and feeling as if she fits in perfectly, she meets another odd dog out, and this odd dog reminds her of the power of standing out, standing tall, and being herself. Her joy in being unique eventually rubs off on her neighbors, helping them gain comfort in breaking the mold and following their own hearts.
I don’t know about you, but I strongly believe this is a message all of our children need to hear, multiple times, in multiple ways, from multiple people. Thank you, Rob Biddulph, for providing us with another tool to help children begin to truly believe in the power of being themselves.
A big thank you to HarperCollins Publishers for sharing Odd Dog Out with our family in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions of this book are my own. Publishers recommend for ages 4-8. Most links for purchase are Amazon Affiliate links. Thank you for considering making a purchase through my links!
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If you liked this book, check out:
— All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell — You can read my review here.
— Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller — You can read my review here.
— A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
— The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
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