Blog Archives
Appreciating Differences
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong follows the journey of a six-year-old as she explores the beauty and depth of human diversity, encouraging children to embrace and celebrate our differences. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have a 6-year-old, and I am bringing her up in a world that sometimes seems so divided. I wanted to create a book with a universal message that could bring people together.
To help my daughter and other children learn to accept themselves and to believe in themselves. I also wanted to teach them how to be tolerant and how to be kind, and how to truly have empathy for others.
I want children to be able to appreciate people who are different from them in some way and to be able to see how similar they are too. To be able to realize that the difference you’re aware of is only ONE part of a person’s unique story.
We really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!
If every child in a classroom read this book, the world would be a different place.
I’d been waiting for someone else to write a book like this AND with a funny, honest, imperfect main character… Eventually, I consulted educators and psychologists and used my years of kids’ TV writing experience, and I wrote it myself!
The book balances illustrations and text to convey emotions and deliver messages; could you shed light on how you and the illustrator collaborated to ensure the visuals accurately represented the diverse characters and themes?
I had a clear vision of how I wanted the text and the illustrations to work together and how I wanted these characters to look. I used every tool in my arsenal to bring this book to life. Tried so many options and, in the end, achieved this vision by using my own artistry, and software and collaborating with amazing creatives. I want every child who reads this book to see themselves reflected somehow, to find a place for themselves within it. We are the same, we’re different, and we really do all belong…
How did your personal experiences or observations influence the portrayal of parental figures in guiding children through issues related to identity and belonging?
1) I am Jamaican. I come from an island in the Caribbean where the official national motto is “Out of many one people”. Because of our history from hundreds of years ago, if you’re of African, Indian, Chinese, or European descent (or any combination of these), you are completely Jamaican. We are one. There is no issue or division based on ethnicity. To have that instilled in me early on as the norm meant that when I came abroad, it didn’t feel natural to see people sometimes divided because of the color of their skin or whatever else.
For the last two years of high school, I went to a boarding school in the UK where the students flew from 80 different countries to be there. It was eye-opening! Every casual assumption one has, every prejudice, everything got explored. It was there, with people from all cultures, languages, religions, races, histories, and politics, I learned that… we really are the same, we’re different, and we all belong!
2) As a parent now myself, I’ve realized that learning to embrace and celebrate a difference in someone else actually helps you to accept yourself when you are perceived to be different. What seems to be a kindness towards others is actually something that saves YOU!
Quote from the book:
“Being different doesn’t make someone weird,
it just makes them different.
And be nice to them because, to them, you are different too!
We may seem soooooooo different… but deep down,
we’re kind of the same.”
So, now, when you think someone else is perceiving you as different, it doesn’t mean something negative about you because it’s absolutely OK to be different. It’s OK to be unique. It doesn’t make you weird, it just makes you different.
I wrote this book, using the power of story and an irreverent lead character, to help children open their minds to people’s shared humanity. To give us, as parents, a form of words to give our children another way of seeing the situation that helps them to accept themselves just as they are and that allows them to tolerate and celebrate other people’s differences with kindness and empathy.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Ha! Watch this space. I write social and emotional learning (SEL) children’s books that help parents and teachers nurture happy, mindful, resilient, and compassionate children that have the tools to live their best lives.
I am working on several books (all at various stages of development)… More books with Marnie (the funny, honest, perfectly imperfect, irreverent lead character from ‘We’re The Same, We’re Different and We All Belong’).
And… I have another picture book that’s being illustrated right now, coming out mid-2024. It’s about how you’re always connected to the people you love no matter where they are (it’s especially for the first day of school separation anxiety).
I’m grateful to be able to add to the lives of children and their families in whatever way I can.
I love what I do!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In her own heartwarming, hilarious words, Marnie, a spunky multiracial kindergartener, explores the concept of diversity. She finds that differences (e.g. race, size, accent, learning styles, ways of moving around) are only one part of a person’s unique story.
This book will help your child:love and accept themselves just the way they are
appreciate and celebrate other people’s differences
build their self-confidence and self-esteem
nurture their tolerance, empathy and kindness
This engaging, interactive picture book asks readers a series of heartwarming, hilarious questions alongside a quirky main character, and gracefully illustrates that the best friendships can be made when we love what’s different (and the same) about each other.
We’re The Same, We’re Different and We All Belong
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong by KayJay Miller introduces readers to Marnie, a cheerful six-year-old girl who explains that we are all unique and special. Marnie questions the idea that someone can know another person solely based on one characteristic. She shows us that there isn’t a single factor that defines us. Later, she shares a personal experience in which she faced differential treatment due to her skin color and hairstyle. On that occasion, her mother taught her that we’re the same, we’re different, and we all belong. Furthermore, when Marnie describes herself, she goes beyond her appearance to talk about her interests, hobbies, and dreams.
Understanding diversity and inclusion is essential for everyone. In this way, we can fight discrimination, stereotypes, and prejudice. That’s why We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong struck me as a book every child should read. The illustrations are beautiful and evoke warmth, even in sad moments. They depict people with different hair types, skin tones, and other characteristics, reflecting the variety of our society. KayJay Miller uses simple narration with short sentences, making it ideal for young readers. This heartwarming story promotes empathy, curiosity, and harmonious coexistence.
What I loved most about this book is how expressive Marnie is. In every illustration, she reveals a different aspect of herself. She’s energetic fun, and comes across as a likable character who openly shares her emotions and personality. KayJay Miller skillfully blends sad and joyful moments, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the story. Moreover, children can easily relate to the book’s themes of diversity and coexistence. Thus, they can create a positive self-image and feel more comfortable with their identity and differences.
We’re The Same, We’re Different, and We All Belong pays attention to every detail in narration and presentation, making this book highly recommended for families and classrooms. Helping children develop self-esteem and appreciate all the differences in the world is just the starting point of this magnificent children’s book.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CK3Q8MVB
I Want Children To Know They Matter
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose follows two children as they think about what the future can hold for them. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired to write this story while watching the news one day. It was during the time of the protests and sometimes violent occurrences about police violence and brutality and race issues. I thought about how disturbing and hurtful it all was and I wondered, “If I am feeling this way, what must the children be feeling, especially children of Color?” That deeply bothered me and I began to ponder what I would want them to know. I wanted them to know that they mattered. I needed them to know that regardless of their background, skin color, zip code or even the ability of their bodies – they were all important and each had a purpose and a place in this life.
The art in this book is fantastic with all the bright colors and inspiring images. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Megan Rizzo?
Megan Rizzo is such a gifted artist! She was once an art therapist, so she truly has a gift for giving life to my words. Because of the serious message, but sensitive delivery, our goal was to evoke emotion through the illustrations, and Megan absolutely delivered! She truly understood my message, my heart, and she was just as committed as I was in reaching the children. Early on, we were in agreement that attention to specific features, body variety and skin tones would be crucial to our message. We were truly partners in expressing diversity, love and inclusion for all children. We wanted the beauty of the message to be received from looking at the pictures, whether or not the child could read the words. I believe we accomplished that.
What do you hope is one thing children take away from your story?
What I hope children take away from this story is that they each have a special purpose and a unique path to follow in life, made just for them. I want them to know they are each important and they each deserve a future that is bright. We need them, each one of them, in that future.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have a couple of exciting projects in the works. One is the sequel to my first children’s book, Johari The Great. I’ve received many requests for another adventure for Johari, and it’s coming. Also, after my recent trip to Tanzania, East Africa, I was inspired to write a fun children’s book that introduces them to the Swahili language. I’ve been taking lessons for several months now, and I am very excited to share. Megan will soon be enjoying the new joys of motherhood, so we will be working around her schedule, hoping for early next year. She’s illustrated both of my books and she’s so important to me. She’s worth the wait!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
It features stunning, full-spread illustrations that truly bring the meaningful words to life. Readers follow two children who wonder about their place in life and where the future will lead them. As they consider possibilities, the answers to the question, “Why Am I Here?” go from whimsical to meaningful as they are guided into fun considerations and positive realizations. This book welcomes pondering, hoping and dreaming!
Stressing diversity, unity and inclusion as strengths to overcome obstacles in their way, “Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose” reminds children that regardless of their situation or surroundings, the ability of their bodies or the color of their skin, they EACH have a purpose that is BEAUTIFUL and a future that is BRIGHT. Discussion questions in the back of the book enhance comprehension and promote family discussion about the important topics of purpose, diversity, self-awareness and self-discovery!
Why Am I Here?
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose is a beautifully written picture book about diversity, dreams, perseverance, and potential. Written by Naomi V. Dunsen-White and illustrated by Megan D. Rizzo, the story follows two children that are contemplating their purpose here in the world. They wonder what they can do in life and imagine all the different possibilities. Some of the things they dream up are funny and whimsical, while others are realistic and inspiring.
With each whimsical full-color page, the message of diversity is made clear. All the children are different. This book showcases different cultures, genders, desires, and abilities. This allows anyone reading this exceptional children’s book to see representations of themselves and their friends. The many differences in children shown happily dreaming of their future highlights any child can become anything they put their mind to. The message of overcoming obstacles and limitations placed by other people is taught in a gentle manner through the graphics and the rhyming lines.
The message of unity and fighting against racism, ableism, sexism, xenophobia, and bigotry is presented in a manner appropriate for kindergarten and young elementary-age children. They are shown it is ok to have confidence, dream big, and keep looking for the next accomplishment. Readers are encouraged that they are not limited by their race, culture, gender, their bodies, or where their families come from and that others not like themselves are also not limited by these invisible boundaries. This compassionate story confidently tells readers that we are all able to dream and belong to this world.
Why Am I Here? A Child’s Book About Purpose is an awe-inspiring picture book that will capture young readers’ attention with the bold, colorful graphics and the well-thought-out story. The message of diversity and inclusion will stay with them as they can see themselves represented in the pages of this magnificent work.
Pages: 33 | ASIN : B09PZB2CKY
LITERARY TITAN 