Book Review: Just Like You by Robert Kroupa, illus by Hannah E. Harrison


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Up today is one of Kiddo,  and mine's, favorite books of the last month!




Synopsis: Just Like You tells the tale of Harry, a deaf field mouse and his best friend Boris, a spider with a bad leg. (don't they look just TOO adorable?) They live in The Piney Forest with the other animals, who taunt them because they don't act like the other animals. After repeated attempts to fit in, a discouraged Boris and Henry are forced to stay by themselves in the outskirts of the forest. When a fire threatens the lives and homes of the forest bullies,  Boris and Henry see past the bullying and rally to help their fellow critters and teach us about honor and character. 


About the Author: Robert Kroupa is a Chicago real estate developer, inventor (with two appearances on ABC-TV's SHARK TANK) and civic activist. He wrote this for young children in response to the epidemic of bullying. Said Kroupa, "Through my personal experiences from childhood, helping children understand the value of tolerance and inclusion from a young age has been a passion of mine. I hope that this book will inspire children to accept, appreciate and celebrate the similarities and differences in all of us."

About the Illustrator: This is Hannah E. Harrison's first children book! 
Since graduating from Colby, Hannah has become a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a Signature Member of the Cider Painters of America and The Hilliard Society.She has donated her artwork to fundraising auctions for humane societiesShe has won seventeen awards for her paintings. She has painted portraits, signs, murals, theatre sets, fine art, and, since moving to Oklahoma in 2005, from her native New Hampshire. Check out her website for her wonderful art! 




Review: We LOVE this book! The illustrations are SO gorgeous, I just HAD to show you the book trailer! Aren't they adorable? Kiddo was hooked from the opening page! In a change from normal, she wanted to STAY on each page and look at the illustrations THOROUGHLY! There are many cute things in every page's background, that it's almost like going on a treasure hunt! We have a family member-to-be who is deaf, so Kiddo has been very conscientous about learning signing from Nina on Sprout! So she was really touched by the story and we had discussions on EVERY page! 


I was really surprised at how much a 4 yr old comprehended about bullying by kids to other kids who are different because of a disability.  And that really is the beauty of this book- it invites parent-child discussion about a VERY sensitive subject that can domino into a discussion about bullying against (or by) or child. It not only entertains, it teaches. This is THE book to share with your child's teacher and class- every child needs to read it! The plot may be 'Disneyana" but it's true and it's simplicity makes it more accessible to kids. Kudos to Mr. Kroupa for an excellent kids book, and we're looking forward to more from him!


Bonus: 100% of the profits from each sale of this adorable book are earmarked by YOU, the buyer,  to one of four charities, designated by the author, including The Hollyrod Foundation, Pacer Center, Art of Elysium, and The Center for Discovery!  Challenge Unlimited, a not-for-profit organization based in Alton, Illinois, serves as the JUST LIKE YOU fulfillment house. Its mission is to provide work related opportunities to individuals with disabilities.  Check out the book's website for more info!


How great is that? This holiday season and can share a wonderful book with your child AND give back, showing your child concern and caring for others!





Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from 
the author via Bostick Communications, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.

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