Everyone wants to have a place they feel like they belong and matter. Today we are going to share two new picture books (released today) that share messages of belonging and mattering. The first is You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles and illustrated by Nejla Shojaie. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
.jpg "You Matter, Luma by John R. Miles and illustrated by Nejla Shojaie")
About the Book:
A little bunny discovers that even the smallest voice can make a world of difference.Does one small bunny really matter in a great big world? Luma feels invisible in her bustling forest-too quiet, too unsure, too small to make a difference. But when a simple act of kindness sets her on an unexpected journey, she uncovers a powerful truth: her voice has value, her feelings have meaning, and her presence makes an impact.
Set in The Matteringverse(TM)--a magical world where every creature's light matters--You Matter, Luma is a tender and beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand that their worth isn't something they earn; it's something they already have. Drawing from the science of emotional development and mattering, John R. Miles gently guides readers to see that courage, compassion, and connection begin with believing you matter.
Perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened, The Invisible String, and What Do You Do With an Idea?--as well as beloved modern classics like I Am Enough, Be Kind, and All Because You Matter--this timeless story opens the door to meaningful conversations about self-worth, belonging, and kindness at home, in classrooms, and beyond.
"Your mattering isn't measured by how loud you are or how fast you run. It lives in your heart and shines through what you do with love."
You Matter, Luma is the first book in the You Matter series, a collection of emotionally rich adventures within The Matteringverse (TM) that grow with children and help them navigate life with confidence, care, and courage.
From Me:
In this beautiful book, Luma is a young rabbit who wonders if she really matters. She wonders if she belongs and if her stories are enough. After finding the courage to share her stories, a storm hits that sends everyone to find shelter. Many of her written stories are ruined during the storm, but with the help of friends she finds the perfect place to share her stories where they will be safe.
The illustrations are absolutely beautiful in this book. They are colorful and feel magical. I love that Luma is struggling with finding herself and what makes her special. She is struggling to find where she belongs and matters. This is something so many young children (and adults) struggle with and this book shows how each of us matters and belongs. It gives hope to finding your place in the world and reminds us to share our lights by being kind and helping others. The overall message is wonderful, and it is told in such a sweet and fun way. This is a book that I would love every young child to read and have access to and hope it is in homes, classrooms and libraries so they can read it or have it read to them!
Our next book is about finding a place where one belongs as well. It is Emily Saw a Door by Mel Rosenberg and illustrated by Orit Magia. It is also recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
In this story about inclusion and acceptance, a girl goes from door to door, hoping to find one that will welcome her inside. But when each one turns her away, Emily realizes that the only door that will open for her is the one she creates herself.Knock, knock.
Who's there?
It's me, Emily. May I come in?
And so begins Emily's search for a door that will open. The first door is blue, and the voice behind the door tells Emily that she doesn't sound very bluish. The second door says it only opens for tigers, crocodiles, and snakes. But she is a girl named Emily-- and the animals are hungry--and so she moves on. The third is only for people who speak very quietly, and the door can hear Emily.
Finally, Emily comes to a place without a door. She gets out her chalk and draws one, then adds a doorknob, and goes right in. And when someone knocks on her door, she says, "The door is open!"
Here is a wonderful book about inclusion, acceptance, and opening doors for others.
From Me:
In this story, Emily sees different doors and knocks on them to see if she will be allowed through them. However, each one has specific characteristics to get in, and a young girl does not meet them. Feeling let down and unaccepted, she finds a place where there is not a door and she creates chalk drawings including drawing a door with a doorknob and opens it. When someone comes knocking on her door she tells them it is open and to come in.
This story is a metaphor for acceptance and inclusion. It is a wonderful tale that kids will be able to understand even if they don't know what a metaphor is or even acceptance or inclusion. Everyone at some point feels like they don't belong and Emily's visits to the doors are those moments. Emily is able to create a place where she and anyone belongs. She is willing to open up herself to others.
This book is perfect for teaching about acceptance and inclusion. It is also a neat way to introduce the idea of a metaphor. It is a book that would make a great class discussion about including others and accepting others even if they are different from you. It is the perfect book for any classroom, library or to be read at home. We all need the reassurance that we have a place where we belong, and this book helps remind us we do and we can create one if we can't find it.
