We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats by Peter J. Goodman

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“My name is Carlos and I have no fur,” the kitty cat announces on the first day of school. Using schoolroom situations that every child will recognize, author Peter Goodman creates a gaggle of feline classmates who show the way to respect and friendship for Carlos the hairless cat, who faces the challenge of being different. With the support of his mother and teacher, Carlos discovers something on the inside that makes him just as unique as he is on the outside.

Popping illustrations and expressive characters bring the tale of Carlos and his friends to life. The first in a series that brings adults and children together to discuss important social issues—this one is exceptionally relevant, given the current focus on anti-bullying efforts in schools—the book includes discussion prompts and fun facts to help parents facilitate engagement and learning at story time.

Children will be entertained as they come to realize, with Carlos and his schoolmates, what matters most: the thing we all have in common is that we are all different.  (-synopsis from Goodreads)

I really enjoyed We’re All Different But We’re All Kitty Cats and know the kids in my classroom will as well.  The pictures are bright, beautiful, and full of detail.  The story goes through Carlos’ first day of school.  Carlos is a hairless cat.  When the class is sharing 2 things about themselves he shares that he doesn’t have any fur.  This makes all the other cats laugh at him.

After school Carlos walks home only to be bullied by another cat.  Then two other cats from his class jump in and defend him.  Carlos is still sad and goes home to cry.

This is a great book for children because it talks all about how everyone is different but special in his or her own way.  Carlos’ mother talks to him about this and the next day he’s able to share something he knows that the others in the class don’t.

I found the vocabulary to be easy for children to understand and both the writing and the pictures kept their attention.  I like that there are questions at the end of the book to ask children to get a discussion going about being different, bullying, and what makes them special.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.