Whoever You Are

by Mem Fox

Book Overview

Enjoy this picture book celebration of diverse childhoods, and the essential things that make us all the same.

"A compelling exploration of the differences between children that make them unique as well as the common humanity that unites them." (Publishers Weekly)

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152007873
• ISBN13: 9780152007874
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.4" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

I liked the message

Good message with few words.

This is one of my all time favorite books!!!!

What a simply beautiful written book for very young children that teaches peace, peace building, humanity, Ubuntu, and multiculturalism. Love love love. We have worn ours out!

Whoever You Are

This is a great book celebrating children wherever they live in the world. (In Spanish)

A beautiful book!

This is a wonderful book. The text is beautiful and meaningful and the artwork is gorgeous too. My 2 year old and I are enjoying it very much and it is helping me with my spanish.

This is who we are...

As the home educator of children from toddler to pre-school, representing a wide range of cultures, this wonderful inclusive book is soothing and almost prayerful. I discovered it on a list of books recommended by Heifer.org, a non-profit organization bringing respectful solutions to many nations affected by poverty. The drawings by Leslie Staub, gently framed with "jewelled" borders, are universal. The text, by Mem Fox, reaches deep inside of us. Indeed, every child, every adult, has hearts that are "just the same" regardless of all the differences that separate us. It is hard to imagine anyone who can think war is the answer to anything, after reading this book. I heartily recommend it.

Teaching Our Children Right

What better way to begin teaching your child how to be a citizen of the world than by sharing this book with her? Though recommended for ages 4 - 8, it is my 17 month old's favorite book. The illustrations are colorful and enchanting, the text rhythmic and clear. The story is simple, yet profound:"love is the same, pain is the same, joy is the same, blood is the same..." "Whoever you are, whoever they are, all over the world."

Great book for every child

I loved this book and plan to give it to everybody I know when they have a new baby. It is, as the other reviews say, a book about how all children in the world, regardless of where they live and their culture, are fundamentally the same -- they smile the same, cry the same, laugh the same, hurt the same. And it is a book that anyone can give their child regardless of their race, gender, nationality, etc., because it is so beautifully inclusive of many cultures. And I like it that the angelic figure who guides us through the book is a beautifully illustrated African man in a suit and hat. I think it's a wonderful book to welcome a child into the world. Definitely a keeper that the child will pass on to his or her children. I just bought 3 more copies today for two new babies and one to keep on hand for the next one who comes along! My other favorite new baby book is On The Day You Were Born, also wonderful for children of any race, gender, nationality, etc. because of it's inclusive language and artwork.