"We're All Different But We're All Kitty Cats: First Day of School"

by Peter J. Goodman, Illustrated by Nicolas Milano, YR, 2012, 52p, rating=5
Source: won from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

“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. (Front flap)

Awesome illustrations in pictures and in explaining the lesson of the story. This book was designed as resource to teach preschool children about bullying. This is one of a series of books that deals with important social issues that the author and his team plan to render.

Simply fabulous! It even has conversational starter questions at the end to aid you in a discussion.  Giving you an idea of your child's understanding of the story and provide you opportunity to direct the child to the moral lesson you want him to grasp.  Morevoer, it has cool fun facts about kitty cats .. like: cats "meow" to humans but not to another cat; or cats think of us as large cats!

I scored by winning this book!  My preschooler and even my six and nine year-olds enjoyed it.  Plus, I love that this book was not only well illustrated but that it fostered a conversation about relevant social skills. 

Great teaching tool for parents and teachers!