Everyone has something that makes them special, even if it’s not immediately apparent. In Emerson’s encouraging picture book for young kids, a little girl named Haley considers what makes her unique. When Haley’s teacher asks her class to write down what they think makes them stand out, her diverse group of peers gets excited and starts naming their favorite attributes—one boy celebrates the fact that he speaks both English and Spanish, while other classmates joyfully point out that they wear colorful glasses, have red hair, are originally from Nigeria, or have a twin. Haley, meanwhile, can’t think of anything unique about herself, which causes her to become dejected and retreat into her beloved sketchbook.

Finally, Haley realizes that the smudges always covering her hand after she draws or writes a story are the key to her distinctive quality. She gains this new point of view when one of her classmates comments on her artwork and says the smudges look cool, which Haley has never considered before—she’s always seen them as messy. Unlike most of her classmates, Haley is left-handed, which means the side of her hand drags over the pencil marks she makes in her notebook. Watching Haley’s perspective shift from frustration to pride will help kids reconsider how their own challenges and differences can also be strengths.

Kim Soderberg’s expressive illustrations follow Haley on her journey from discouragement to enthusiasm, with her emotions clearly visible on her face in each scene. Wearing a purple striped sweater, Haley appears most relaxed and happy when she’s doodling, writing jokes, or imagining stories in her favorite notebook. The smudges in Haley’s drawings seem to lovingly enhance her colorful sketches of unicorns, butterflies, and bees, which will give kids and adults the opportunity to discuss and celebrate their own one-of-a-kind qualities.

Takeaway: A little girl named Haley considers what makes her unique.

Comparable Titles: Cale Atkinson’s Where Oliver Fits, Laura Gehl’s Except When They Don’t.

Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A