Teagan White Boeken

Naughty and nice? Busy and bored? People can be different things — at the same time! This deceptively simple book uses children’s everyday experiences to explore human complexity. Each page features a child embodying two seemingly contradictory characteristics. For example, a boy’s bouquet of balloons makes him lucky, but since one has floated away, he’s unlucky at the same time. In another, a girl making sure the food she’s pouring lands in her cat’s bowl is careful, but since her foot has knocked over the bag of food, she’s also clumsy. Full of clever observations, it’s sure to pique kids’ curiosity and make them wonder — How many different things am I?

A funny interactive “quiz” identifies the most special creature of all — you! Do you ever feel like you’re different from everyone else? Like there’s no one quite like you? Then you might be special! Take this quiz to find out! This playful “quiz” first asks conventional Yes! questions, like: “Do you like to stay up late? Are you sometimes wild and crazy?” Then, “Do people run away when they see your furry face and pointy teeth?” No? Then you’re not a werewolf! This pattern repeats for several fantastical creatures — unicorns, dragons, mermaids — until finally children are reassured: they are special, “because you’re YOU!” A one-of-a-kind book for every one-of-a-kind kid!