If Only I Were...

Envy...the thing that makes us think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. Kids struggle with it as much as adults do. This was a great book that teaches kids that no matter who you are, you will have difficulties.

If Only I Were...., is a great story about a typical grey mouse, who is sick of getting chased around by a large cat. Of course, she wishes to be something else, first a great big cat, then other types of animals, once she becomes a human she really wants to be a mouse again. The story is fun and the pictures are very detailed-look around when you read this book, you'll see all the great fine points the vivid color illustrations bring out.

Every little dreamer who's wanted to be someone else will love this story. Little Missy finds out all too well how that wish is a futile mistake and actually creates more problems for her. I liked it because it touches the issue of self-esteem. It would be a valuable conversation starter for any parent or teacher.

Carl Sommer does an awesome job of teaching kids the value of self-acceptance through Missy the mouse. Missy's journeys throughout the zoo change her into different animal characters. Each time wishing she was a different animal that was stronger, faster, larger until her experiences leave her empty and wishing she was her old self. My 3 year old loved this book. As he struggles with having curly red hair and freckles, this book taught him it is o.k. to be who you are and that wishing you were someone else does not always make you happy. Our family was able to use this story as a spring board for discussions on being happy with who you are and what attributes you have been given. Definitely worthy for younger readers! I rate this an A+ and will definitely keep it handy for future discussions on this topic! Excellent!