You Matter
illustrations by
What’s inside...
"You Matter" perfectly describes the uniqueness of every child, and all the wonderful ways we can express ourselves. Parents, your children will feel loved and appreciated as you spend time reading to them about the adventures of Tony Baloo, an overstuffed bear, who wants all people to know - "You Matter". Tony Baloo found himself on a shelf in a secondhand store, watching life pass him by. Author, Nora Almazan, brought him home to live with her. His story unfolds as he shares his adventures with children, always encouraging a love of self and others. We all have a space on planet earth - what we do with that space is the most important aspect of our lives. Tony Baloo helps children to see how different we all are and how similar we are as well. Being different is as wonderful as being similar. How we find our similarities and rejoice in our differences is the message Tony Baloo wants to share. The beautiful illustrations help tell the stories of this fun loving bear who will quickly become your child's best friend. Illustrator, Jason Fowler, displays the uniqueness of each one of us. Together, Nora, Jason, and Tony spread an important message about who we are as individuals and friends. Your child will grow to love Tony and learn to understand the importance of being exactly who he/she was created to be. This is a book your child will want to read over and over again.
Why read this book
- Empowers self-worth and positive self-image.
- Encourages empathy and understanding among peers.
- Inspires curiosity and exploration of diverse perspectives.
- Supports emotional and social development.
Age
6-8
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the author says that 'You Matter' in the story?
How do you feel when you help someone, and they smile?
Can you think of a time you felt small or unnoticed, and someone made you feel important?
What are some ways you can show others that they matter to you?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think about their feelings and experiences related to the book's themes.
Relate the book's message to your child’s everyday life to help them connect with the story on a personal level.
Encourage empathy by discussing the feelings and perspectives of different characters in the book.
Celebrate and affirm your child's responses, allowing them to feel confident in their thoughts and opinions about the book.
Create a warm and attentive listening environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book 'You Matter' by Nora Almazan encourages children to step into the shoes of others and see the world from different perspectives. Through its narrative and characters, it showcases various scenarios where characters learn to understand each other's feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more considerate and empathetic towards their friends and family members, understanding that everyone has unique experiences and emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Worth
Explanation: Through its affirming title and supportive storytelling, 'You Matter' reinforces the idea that every child is important and valued. The story instills this by showing characters who overcome self-doubt by recognizing their own significance in the world.
Real-World Application: This lesson can boost a child's self-esteem and confidence at school or in social settings, helping them to appreciate their own value and contributions to their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'You Matter' face various challenges but demonstrate resilience by finding solutions and not giving up. This resilience is portrayed through a positive and hopeful tone, encouraging children to persevere.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cope with challenges, whether small everyday obstacles or bigger issues, by remembering the resilience of the characters and applying similar tenacity in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Community and Cooperation
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of community and working together through its characters who achieve more by cooperating than they could alone. This theme is woven into the interactions and joint efforts amongst the characters.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to participate actively and collaborate in group activities at school or in the community, understanding that collective efforts often result in greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Throughout 'You Matter,' the characters' curiosity leads them to explore and learn new things, highlighting how asking questions and seeking knowledge are valuable traits.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive and explore topics of interest, fostering a lifelong love of learning and discovery in real-world scenarios such as school projects or family discussions.