About the Book:
Piney Forest is home to many creatures, but Boris and Henry play and live by themselves, not accepted by others because they aren't the same as the other creatures. After 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 forest critters in their own special way.

The spectacular images found in Just Like You were designed by first-time illustrator, HannahE. Harrison. Hannah's beautiful illustrations help children understand the message of the story
and the added animated touches turn the characters into charming and loveable friends.

Just Like You is written by Robert Kroupa, 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 Just Like You will inspire children to accept, appreciate
and celebrate the similarities and differences in all of us."

100% of the profits from each sale is earmarked by the buyer to one of four charities, including

1) The HollyRod Foundation www.hollyrod.org,
2) PACER Center www.pacer.org,
3) Art of Elysium www.theartofelysium.org and
4) The Center For Discovery www.thecenterfordiscovery.org.

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.
Book trailer link: http://justlikeyoufoundation.org/book.htm
About the book:
Just Like You by Robert Kroupa
ISBN: 978-0-9825503-4-2
Publisher: Seven Legs Press
Date of publish: Oct 1, 2011
Pages: 16
S.R.P.: $16.95

My Thoughts:
This absolutely beautiful book (illustrations and message) is what I would consider necessary reading for all children from Pre-K to third grade. It wouldn't be a bad thing for older children to read, either! The pictures in the book are detailed, imaginative and absolutely gorgeous! The story of Boris and Henry's friendship is sweet and easy to understand. The reader will readily empathize with the boys as they try to explain to others that being different is OK and that they really are just like all the other kids. In the end, because they refuse to treat others like they had been treated, and instead, follow the Golden Rule, they are able to 'save the day' and the other kids finally realize that being different is an absolutely perfect way to be.

As a home schooling Mom, I decided to let my children read the book and see what they thought about it. My ten-year-old stated that it shows that "being different is alright and it might be what helps someone be able to save your life, so it wouldn't be a good thing to bully them just because they are different." My eight-year-old said she didn't like it when the bullies were making fun of the boys just because they were different. She said that made her feel bad, but that it made her feel good when they helped the bullies and everyone was nice to them. We were able to discuss why bullying is bad and how it effects the people who are bullied and the ones who are bullying. I found it an excellent resource and believe others will as well.

This book is intended to help instill the values of acceptance and kindness in children at an early age. The story is adorable and thought provoking. It is designed to encourage kids to ask questions that will help you talk with them about bullying and its detrimental side-effects.

I give this book a 5/5 rating! You would do well to find it and add it to your shelf! Especially if you have young children...or teach them!

I want to thank the Just Like You Foundation for providing this book to review. I was given the book in return for an honest review and the above opinons are 100% mine.