Do you know a child who struggles to fit in? They have their own styles and perhaps are smarter than other kids. It can be very hard for them at school. I know, I have one. She often struggled to feel like she fit in or really had friends. There were times where she was bullied at almost every school she has attended. Today I get to share a book for this type of kid. It is all about accepting one's own individuality and I am sharing a craft activity to go with it. Plus, there is a giveaway at the end!! The book is Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality by Jennifer Nestor and illustrated by Victoria Mikki. It is being released on July 29, 2024.
About the Book:Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality
Written by Jennifer Nestor and Illustrated by Victoria Mikki
Ages 4-9 | 40 Pages | Publisher: BookBaby | ISBN-13: 979-8350953602
Publisher’s Book Summary: This heartfelt adventure follows a young girl named Jane as she tries to navigate the challenge of feeling different in her own skin while experiencing bullying at school. Though she is soft-spoken and quirky on the outside, she struggles on the inside—desperately wanting to belong. Escaping from an uncomfortable moment on the school bus, Jane has a vivid daydream where she enters the Jungle of Individuality: a place filled with animals who all have unique characteristics, just like herself. As she embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery with some new friends, she quickly realizes her individuality is something she should embrace while also learning self-compassion and being brave when things get tough.
PURCHASE LINKS
About the Author:
Jennifer Nestor’s passion for writing grew out of her love for penning poems, song lyrics, and short stories as a little girl. Now a marketing and communications professional, Jennifer draws on these experiences as an adult and considers writing one of the best parts of her career. She’s always enjoyed the creativity and emotion of storytelling and is truly thrilled to share new stories that encourage bravery in young readers. Her mission as an author is to create imaginative books that make a positive impact and promote diverse characters who acquire strength, courage, and a sense of individuality through their adventures.
Learn more about Jennifer and her work at
https://www.facebook.com/jennestorauthor/
https://www.instagram.com/jennestorauthor/
https://www.tiktok.com/@jenwriteschildrensbooks
From Me:
This sweet book brought back so many memories for me of Hazel when she was young. The unique clothes and colors to being smarter than other children. Jane sounds just like Hazel. Jane doesn't want to go to school because she sometimes feels like she doesn't fit in. Again, reminded me of Hazel's younger years. She never wanted to go to school. She never felt like she fit in. Jane's mother chooses her words carefully and emphasizes how Jane's individuality gives Jane her strength. Jane goes to school. First, she struggles to find a seat on the bus. Once seated she closed her eyes and daydreamed about the Jungle of Individuality. She is greeted upon her entrance by a tiger with a mohawk, an ape with spots, and a cheetah with long eye lashes and wearing a bandana. The animals share how they love their uniqueness and how it was hard at first, but they learned how it shows their strengths. It is such a sweet story.
This book shares such a wonderful story, and the pages are full of color. Jane sees a rainbow when she walks into the jungle. The animals are colorful and fun and Jane herself wears many colors. I love this story!!
This is a book that I think should be in every elementary school classroom and/or library. It is one to share with kids like Hazel when she was young. They are smart and have their own personalities. They don't want to follow the others. They think for themselves and are perhaps gifted. They are often picked on as a result. School is hard even though these kids love to learn. Schools also usually do not challenge these kids enough. This book shares that they are still normal. That their unique personalities are their strength. It is a book that every child who deals with this should read as should those who are not like them. We need to teach our children to accept one another for their differences and to learn from one another.
Craft Activity:
As I read this book, I thought of a wonderful activity to go with it. The animals in the Jungle of Individuality are each unique in their own way. I wanted to find some jungle animal coloring pages and let kids create their own unique jungle animals. I used ones found at 123 Homeschool 4 Me. I colored three of them and then had a high school student I'm working with this summer do the fourth. I love letting kids be creative and learn that looking different doesn't matter.
Giveaway:
Jane Escapes to the Jungle of Individuality, by Jennifer Nestor: Book Giveaway
