Perfect Picture Book Friday: Sweety

"Sweety was awkward, even for a naked mole rat." 

Now that's a great first line! 

Sweety is the adorable story of a young mole rat whom her grandma describes as a "little square peg." She collects fungi as a hobby and does an interpretive dance to deliver her book report. Everyone thinks Sweety is odd, except her  Aunt Ruth, who also "marches to the beat of her own drum."  

Aunt Ruth convinces Sweety that "her people" must be out there, so she sets off to find them...without success. Only when she truly accepts herself  does Sweety have the good luck of meeting another mushroom-loving mole rat.

While the topic of being true to yourself is tried-and-true, author/illustrator Andrea Zuill's treatment of it is certainly unique. This book will appeal to kids ages 4 and up who worry that they don't fit in. And who among us hasn't had that thought? 

Teacher Resources:

Education World has a good activity called "Everybody is Unique." While it's designed to teach acceptance of others' differences, it can also be used to cultivate self-acceptance. 

The Facts:
- Author/illustrator: Andrea Zuill
- Swartz Wade Books, 2019

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