Just the Way You Are

Wonderful book to read with your child and to teach them that people love you just the way you are.

Hedgehog asks Lion, "Are you coming to the party tonight?" Lion answers no, he doesn't think so. "No one cares whether I come of not." Now, if he had a beautiful beak and wings like a toucan... And as the reader looks through the die cut hole in the page, they see a glimpse of just what Lion wishes for. Turn the page and see a two page spread of this magical, whimsical new animal with a little comment from Hedgehog. "That would be fun to see. But I like you just the way you are." So begins Marcus Pfister's delightful picture book, and youngsters will revel in all the fun as they watch the hedgehog turn part colorful chameleon, the toucan grow an elephant's trunk and large heavy feet, the chameleon take on long, thin stork legs, the elephant transform into a pouched, jumping kangaroo, and the kangaroo grow a beautiful lion's mane. Mr Pfister's simple, repetitive text lets little ones "help" you read, and the marvelous, charming hybrid artwork is bold, vibrant, and dazzles with creativity and imagination. Perfect for preschoolers, this little treasure of a book sends the strong message of friendship, pride, and self-respect; that you're special "just the way you are" and others admire and accept you because you're you. "It was a wonderful party filled with good times and good friends."

I think this book will be a children's classic, right up there with "Good Night Moon". Written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister, this book explains the meaning of true friendship, but not in a preachy way. The language and illustrations are equally lovely.