Just Like You by Robert Kroupa

The theme of this book is tolerance and acceptance.  The author did a wonderful job getting this message across to the reader.  It is a very well developed book.  The illustrations are just as well done as the story.  This is one message that we need to really get across to children.  Accept differences in others especially when it is something they have no control over. This would be a good book for a child to find in his/her Christmas stocking. 

When values of acceptance and kindness are instilled early,children's minds and worlds expand. That is the lesson of the new children's book - Just Like You - an endearing tale about self-acceptance and embracing the differences in others. Just Like You tells the tale of Harry, a deaf field mouse and his best friend Boris, a spider with a bad leg. They live in The Piney Forest with the other animals who taunt them because they don't act,walk or talk like the others. 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 all their homes,Boris and Henry rally to help their fellow critters and teach us about honor and character.

The spectacular images found in Just Like You were designed by first-time illustrator, Hannah E. 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."

About the Just Like You Foundation:
Just like You Foundation was organized to help people from an early age to accept, appreciate and celebrate the similarities and differences in all of us. It is a tax-exempt 501(c) (3) organization. The foundation publishes a beautiful book of the same name, Just Like You, about accepting those with disabilities. The Foundation will also support other not-for-profits that assist and aid children while working to help create a more harmonious world for all. For more information please visit, www.justlikeyoufoundation.org


A copy of this book was provided by the author and Bostick Communications for the purpose of this review.