Little Squarehead

Can the way we see the world impact the way we are treated? Do we allow ourselves to be bullied because we lack courage, confidence and compassion? One thing for sure is that we can never change another -- we can only change ourselves. This simply told and insightful look at bullying is a thought-provoking must-read for bullied, bullies and bystanders. Our girls love it.

"Once upon a time there was a little girl names Rosa who lived in a small town nestled against a lush emerald forest. She loved playing in the woods with her animal friends. They didn't mind that she looked different from the other children-her head was shaped like a square." -From the book With school bullying on the rise, it's no secret that children can be cruel-especially to children who are viewed as "different". In Little Squarehead, Rosa learns to cope with the stares of adults and the taunts of children. Her sense of rejection keeps her isolated from others until one day she runs deep into the forest, and cries beside a glistening stream. "Why do I look so different?" she asks in despair. As her tears fell, a mist arises from the water and a sweet, musical voice comforts her, assuring Rosa that all will be well. The voice beckons her to the edge of a crystal pool, encouraging Rosa to look at her reflection. Rosa is shown a vision of her true self that begins to transform how she sees herself-and eventually, how she sees others. Rosa visits the secret pool three times, and the voice unveils three powerful gifts that Rosa has within her: courage, confidence, and compassion. The author of Little Squarehead, certified psychotherapist Peggy O'Neil, is no stranger to prejudice: she's 3'8" "little person" whose motto is WALK TALL - BE BIG ON THE INSIDE. With wisdom and verve, O'Neil conveys the powerful message that how we see ourselves can literally alter our lives. When we see our true selves-and our precious diamond heart-we act with courage, walk in confidence, and relate with compassion. This revelation can literally change our world, especially as children (and adults!) understand and embrace the message presented in Little Squarehead. Artist Denise Freeman brings a uniquely personal touch to the story, weaving colorful paintings of 15 types of roses that grow in her neighborhood. There's a key at the end of the book so you can find the different types of roses, as well as play Hide & Seek to find the clever images hidden throughout the book. Celebrating diversity and promoting compassion, Little Squarehead delivers a timely message about beauty within-and how we can find it in both ourselves and others. Note: this book was a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Best Children's Book 2002.

Anyone who has been teased knows the pain of feeling different. When Rosa hears children chanting, "Here comes Rosa Redhead. She's a little Squarehead..." she retreats to the forest where she discovers the gifts of Courage, Confidence and Compassion, which change her life forever. This exceptional book that teaches children to understand the differences in people was written by Peggy O'Neill who is a 3'8" tall person.

This is the endearing "Once upon a time..." story of a little girl named Rosa who is teased and ridiculed by her classmates because she is different - she has a square-shaped head! Her hair is beautiful and her smile is radiant, but she has grown to believe that she is ugly because of the unfeeling taunts she painfully endures.As the story unfolds, we discover the magical way Rosa is helped to overcome the merciless mockery and ridicule of others to find her true self...her own inner beauty. Deep in a forest, where Rosa fled to cry, she is given three gifts by a wondrous and melodious voice emanating from a luminous clear pool. These gifts - courage, confidence, and compassion - enable her to accept herself and to share her new found knowledge with others. ***** I highly recommend Little Squarehead, not only for those children who suffer teasing, but also for those children who DO the teasing. Reading it with your child could also be valuable, because there are significant and important lessons to be learned within its pages. This book is inspiring and refreshing, and the illustrations are colorful, bold, and beautifully done. As an added bonus there are many animals and insects, as well as fifteen (15) different types of roses, on each page playing "hide and seek" for the young reader to find. ***** Reviewed by Ruth Wilson.

A simple and appealing story by Peggy O'Neill that is brought vividly to life with the stunning artwork of Denise Freeman, Little Squarehead is the touching, full-color picturebook of Rosa, a lonely young girl who is different from other people because her head is square-shaped. Teased by classmates, she runs to a clear pool, and a voice within the waters gives her three eternally precious gifts: Courage, Confidence, Compassion. Little Squarehead is an uplifting, powerful, and highly recommended story for young readers, preschool through first grade..