Hello, friends! Our books today are the Paws And Think! series: We Are All Different and I Am Important, written by Miranda Mittleman and illustrated by iNDOS studio, a set starring a curious pup learning important life lessons.

In We Are All Different, Weaver introduces himself as a playful spotted dog with a loving family. At the dog park, he muses that none of the other dogs look just like him: they are all different colors, shapes and/or sizes. Weaver likes this though, because when all those differences mix together, it makes for a fun day of play with friends. In I Am Important, Weaver notices that many other pups have important jobs, like police dogs or service animals. He wonders if he is important or not, and decides to leave home to find out. As he walks around town however, he begins seeing flyers with his pictures on him – he family thinks he’s run away. Weaver returns home and realizes that everyone is important, because everyone has someone that they are important to.

These were delightful! Weaver is a strong protagonist for these types of lessons: he’s open, inquisitive, and has a positive outlook that children can connect to. And while the messages of self-esteem and diversity are well-worn in kidlit, it makes them no less important, and these books communicate them engagingly and effectively. The story in I Am Important is a bit stronger, but We Are All Different has a great payoff: Weaver notes that while others may be different to him, he is different to them. It’s a concept that often gets skipped over in books on diversity, and encourages children to consider the perspectives of others. The illustrations were very cute, with colorful environments and charming characters. The lengths were perfect, and JJ really liked them. Definitely Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of these books were provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)