Why Am I Blue?
Being different from one’s peers can be hard. We all want to be part of a group and to be accepted and loved by others. We might struggle with whether to embrace our differences or hide them in order to fit in.
In this story, the Blue Frog wonders why he is blue, and not green like other frogs. He feels confused, sad, and different, and seeks to answer the question “why am I blue?” Eventually hearing a simple, but profound explanation, the Blue Frog begins to embrace his blueness and accept being different than his friends.
Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers by Gayle E. Pitman, PhD, that discusses how children experience differences throughout childhood and how adults can guide children toward an understanding and acceptance of differences and similarities they will face throughout life.
From the Note to Parents and Caregivers:
Some differences can be a source of positive self-esteem for children. They could have qualities that are cool, quirky, and respected by others. For example, if a child is especially talented at something, like art, music, or athletics, they might feel respected by their peers, even though their talent sets them apart to some extent. Moreover, if this quality is nurtured by family members and teachers and through extracurricular activities, these differences can enhance self-esteem in a powerful way.
Differences don’t always work that way, though. Some differences involve characteristics like disability, gender identity, or race, qualities that have been used throughout history to justify inequality and mistreatment. If differences aren’t valued by the individual or by society, a few things can happen...
Kalli Dakos has been delighting readers with poetry since the release of her best-selling book, If You're Not Here, Please Raise Your Hand. Author of Why Am I Blue?, she has written six IRA-CBC Children's Choice Selections, such as Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig and A Funeral in the Bathroom. She presently resides in Ottawa, Ontario with her family and has an office in Ogdensburg, New York. Visit her at www.kallidakos.com.
Viviana Garofoli was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she currently lives with her husband, Sergio, and two daughters, April and Emma. In 1995, she graduated from Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes Prilidiano Pueyrredón with a degree in fine arts. Over the last 15 years, she has illustrated more than 20 children's books and contributed many editorial and textbook illustrations in Argentina and Puerto Rico.