What Are You?
What’s inside...
From Christian Trimmer and award-winning illustrator Mike Curato comes What Are You?, a brilliant, new early-reader picture book brimming with warmth and playfulness that explores questions of race and identity. When a puggle meets two new poodle friends, there is a question the poodles feel they must ask. What are you? What am I? Yes, what are you? I am a dog. No, what are you? So begins a conversation about family and identity, and about the things we're good at... and why we're good at them. Brimming with warmth and playfulness, What Are You? is an exemplary picture book for early readers. Equally funny and thoughtful, the book includes prompts to facilitate important first conversations about stereotypes and bias between child and adult.
Discussion points
What makes you unique from your friends or classmates?
How do you feel when someone asks about you? Is there a way you wish people would ask about you?
What are some words you would use to describe yourself? Why?
Do you think everyone should fit into a specific category? Why or why not?
How can we celebrate everyone's differences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and open tone to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Encourage your child to think about and express their individuality by asking them to share unique aspects about themselves.
Discuss the importance of accepting and celebrating each person's unique traits, reinforcing the book's message of inclusivity.
Ensure to listen actively and validate your child’s feelings and opinions to build their confidence during the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The book 'What Are You?' explores different emotions through various characters, helping children to identify and name their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use this knowledge to better communicate their emotions with parents and peers, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diversity
Explanation: This story introduces children to a variety of characters, each with unique traits, teaching the importance of accepting and valuing differences.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to embrace diversity, promoting inclusivity and respect in their interactions at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: The book encourages children to imagine and question, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This fosters an innovative mindset, allowing children to approach school projects and daily challenges with a creative perspective.