Literacy Matters Vol. 25 Winter 2025

explore the idea of seeking self-acceptance not by looking to the world for validation but by looking inward to embrace who you truly are, flaws and all. This story is about a young girl struggling with why she is different from other people, but begins to realize that no one is alike, and their differences make them beautiful. Through the playful art of Peter H. Reynolds, we can see all the colors and details of what makes us unique. Reynolds adds a touch of whimsy by blending unexpected creatures and objects, reinforcing the powerful message of embracing who you are and doing what brings you happiness. Short and direct messages are used to empower and inspire the reader. This story encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness, and celebrate who they are.

safe space for making mistakes as the book reminds us: “Yet knows there’s mistakes - some big and some small. With Yet, you’re sure to get over them all.”This book shows children the importance of resilience as it recognizes failure as a part of growth. The Magical Yet reminds us that although we may not be able to complete a task today, we always have tomorrow. The power of “yet” teaches us that we have hope for future success when we view our setbacks as temporary. While this charming story is said to be suitable for ages 4-8, it offers an invaluable lesson that readers of all ages can appreciate. The Magical Yet is a bestseller–a testament to its impact and powerful message.

Mel Fell Written and Illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. Balzer and Bray, 2021. $11.01, Grades PreK-3. —Amelia Bromham

The Littlest Yak Written by Lu Fraser. Illustrated by Kate Hindley. Peachtree, 2021. $17.99, Grades PreK-3. —Suzanne Barakat

Have you ever felt like you keep falling and falling, and nothing can stop

Literacy Matters Literature Matters Have you ever given your absolute best, poured everything into it, and still questioned if you could have been better

you? Suddenly, you stop falling at the bottom, and people and different things pick you up and help you return to where you belong. Mel, a bird, captures this perfectly as she is determined to fly, so she tries, but when Mel tries, she fails and falls. Mel is determined to try again and does not let her fall defeat her. The book is unique because while reading, you will need to turn the book in different directions. Upside down, to the side, and around and around. It puts Mel’s fall into perspective as we fall with her and keeps young minds engaged. This book teaches students that when you fail something you want to succeed at, there will be people to help you get through it and encourage you to try again. Mel Fell is a Caldecott Medal Winner and will leave you feeling encouraged, smiling, and excited to try something new.

or worked harder? These thoughts of self-doubt and second guessing were the experience of a young, tiny yak named Gertie. She could see she was a fantastic yak; Gertie had the curliest wool and the grippiest hooves for climbing mountains, yet despite her strengths, she could not overcome the feeling that she was not enough and was simply too little. No matter how hard she worked, she convinced herself that growing and becoming a bigger yak is all it would take to fit in and feel better about herself. The reassurance of her mother fell short of counteracting her desire to grow into a big yak, so she began devising a plan to grow. Would being bigger genuinely make a difference in this little yak’s life? Fraser and Hindley’s captivating and heartwarming picture book navigates the themes of self-acceptance, perseverance, and empowerment. In doing so, the book encourages children to accept aspects of themselves they may perceive as flaws and find the beauty in their uniqueness. Using contrasting colors, varying textures, and rhymes pulls readers into the story by drawing on the universal self-doubt everyone may occasionally experience. Does Gertie grow into a big yak, or will she finally accept herself for who she is? Find out by joining Gertie and reading The Littlest Yak .

Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden Written and Illustrated by Christy Mandin. Orchard Books, 2024. $16.04, Grades PreK-3. —Amelia Bromham “For anyone who’s felt a little bit weird. The world is more interesting with you in it!”This quote is on the very first page of this book, setting the tone for an uplifting story. When Millie Fleur

The Magical Yet Written by Angela DiTerlizzi. Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020. $10.98, Grades PreK-3 —Hannah Pennington Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a task that seemed impossible? In this story, a little girl experiences the

La Fae moved to Garden Glen, she quickly realized she did not fit in. Everything was the same. Millie wanted to bring some uniqueness and make it feel like home. She created her garden, a strange garden filled with unique plants, which made others dislike her. Millie continued to do what made her happy despite what other people thought. The book has whimsical and earthy toned illustrations of Millie’s unique plants that captivate young eyes. All her plants have peculiar names that spark curiosity and make you want to learn more about Millie’s garden. Some of their names are Sneezing Stickyweed, Witches Wort, Bone Bloom, and Ghost Neckle. Read Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden to learn how to stand out in a world of sameness and be wonderfully weird.

challenge of learning how to ride a bike. After several falls and failures, the young girl is ready to give up until the Magical Yet appears to offer her encouragement. This magical creature shines a light on the incredible things we can do, even if we can’t do them j ust yet . Throughout the book, Yet pushes dancers to keep dancing, skaters to keep skating, and painters to keep painting, even when faced with adversity. The Yet creates a positive and

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