Just Be You: A Fairy's Journey to Self Acceptance
Just Be You: A Fairy's Journey to Self Acceptance
Follow Pixie, a fairy moving to Humanville, as she learns to embrace her unique wings and be herself in a new school.
Introduction
Welcome back to "Kids Ask, Authors Answer," a delightful series where we bring together curious kids and talented children's book authors for a fun and engaging session. In each episode, we have a read aloud of the book, and then children who have read the book in advance have sent in their questions for the author. The author then answers these questions on the spot, without prior knowledge of what the questions are. This creates a spontaneous and often entertaining interaction that reveals more about the creative minds behind beloved children's books. Your kids can join in on the next episode too! There is information on how to participate at the end.
Meet the Authors
Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
Joining Amy and Sam in this episode is Valerie Whetstone the author of Just Be You! and Oh No Riley. Valerie's books are built on inspiration from her life, and they celebrate courage, friendship, and staying true to yourself.
Let’s dive into the key themes, memorable moments, and valuable lessons from both the story and the lively Q&A that followed.
Embracing Uniqueness: The Story and Lessons of "Just Be You"
In a world where fitting in often feels like the safest path, the journey of embracing one’s true self can be both daunting and transformative. The children’s book "Just Be You" by Valerie Whetstone offers a heartfelt exploration of this journey through the eyes of Pixie, a young fairy navigating the challenges of change, difference, and self-acceptance. This article delves into the story’s narrative, the author’s inspiration, and the powerful messages it imparts to children and adults alike.
Pixie’s story begins on what she expects to be a typical Sunday morning, awakened by the sweet aroma of sprinkled pancakes. However, her parents have big news: the family is moving from Fairyland to Humanville. For Pixie, a fairy, this announcement is earth-shattering. The prospect of leaving her magical home, fairy friends, and familiar school fills her with anxiety and sadness. The thought of fitting in amongst humans, who are so different from her, is overwhelming.
As the family settles into their new home, Pixie’s apprehension grows. The first day at her new school is fraught with worry—how will she hide her wings? What should she wear? Her mother reassures her that her wings are beautiful and need not be hidden, but Pixie is unconvinced. She tries various ways to conceal her wings: wearing a cape, taping them down, and even using a backpack to cover them. Each attempt brings new discomfort and frustration, making it harder for Pixie to enjoy her new environment or focus in class.
Despite her worries, Pixie finds a friend in Val, a warm and welcoming classmate. Val encourages Pixie to be herself, assuring her that everyone will love her for who she is. Their friendship blossoms as they share stories and play together, but Pixie’s struggle with her wings persists. The physical discomfort of hiding her wings mirrors her emotional turmoil, culminating in a moment where she feels she can no longer cope and pretends to be unwell to avoid school.
Pixie’s secret becomes too heavy to bear. With Val’s support, she finally reveals her wings, expecting rejection but instead receiving admiration and acceptance. Val even gifts Pixie a special pink stone, a token of bravery passed down from her grandmother. Empowered by this gesture, Pixie decides to share her true self with the entire class. She stands before her peers, removes her cape, and proudly displays her wings.
The response is overwhelmingly positive. Her classmates begin to share their own unique traits—birthmarks, hearing aids, braces—creating an atmosphere of mutual acceptance and celebration. Pixie’s act of courage inspires others to embrace their differences, and she experiences a newfound sense of freedom and happiness.
During a special segment where children interview the author, Valerie Whetstone reveals that "Just Be You!" is deeply personal. Pixie represents her younger self, while Val embodies her older, more confident self. As a child, Valerie was quiet and hesitant to express her true personality. Over time, she learned the importance of embracing her uniqueness and wanted to share this lesson with young readers.
Valerie’s own experiences of feeling different and learning to be brave are woven throughout the narrative. The story is not just about a fairy in a new town—it’s a universal tale of overcoming fear, finding one’s voice, and discovering the joy of authenticity.
Valerie shares that she enjoys embedding little "nuggets" and hidden details in her books, such as references to her other works and personal touches like the pink peonies (her favorite flower) that appear throughout the story. These elements invite readers to engage more deeply with the illustrations and narrative, making each reading a new adventure.
The choice to make Pixie the only fairy in her family with wings was intentional. Originally, Valerie considered explaining this as a generational trait—Pixie’s grandmother had wings, and the trait skipped a generation—but she ultimately decided to leave it as a unique aspect of Pixie’s character, emphasizing individuality.
Pixie’s move from Fairyland to Humanville symbolizes the many transitions children face—starting a new school, moving to a new place, or simply growing up. The story acknowledges the fear and sadness that can accompany change, validating these emotions while also highlighting the potential for wonderful surprises and new friendships.
Pixie’s efforts to hide her wings reflect the real-life experiences of children who feel different, whether due to appearance, abilities, or background. The discomfort and isolation she feels are common among those who suppress parts of themselves to fit in. The narrative gently encourages readers to recognize and honor their own unique qualities.
Val’s friendship is a turning point for Pixie. The story illustrates how a single supportive friend can make a world of difference, offering encouragement and acceptance when it’s needed most. Val’s gift of the pink stone symbolizes the power of kindness and the importance of having someone who believes in you.
The climax of the story—Pixie revealing her wings to the class—demonstrates the liberation that comes from embracing one’s true self. The positive response from her classmates shows that authenticity can foster deeper connections and inspire others to do the same. The classroom becomes a place of celebration, where differences are not just tolerated but cherished.
One of the most delightful aspects of the video is the segment where children ask the author their own questions about the story and its characters. These questions reveal the depth of engagement young readers have with the book and offer further insights into the world of Pixie.
Curious minds wanted to know about Pixie’s bedtime routine. Valerie described Pixie’s sparkly, cozy bed and explained that her wings tuck in comfortably, allowing her to sleep soundly.
Pixie’s teddy bear is named Sparkle, a fitting choice for a fairy who loves all things bright and magical.
Valerie reassured readers that Pixie can always visit her friends in Fairyland, emphasizing the enduring nature of true friendship.
Pixie’s vibrant wings reflect Valerie’s own love of color and sparkle, particularly her fondness for the color pink.
Pixie keeps a special pink heart-shaped stone in her backpack, a gift from Val that helps her feel brave whenever she’s scared.
In response to questions about why Pixie sometimes doesn’t have wings in family photos, Valerie explained that Pixie can use magical potions to make her wings disappear, though this aspect wasn’t fully explored in the first book.
Fans of "Just Be You!" will be delighted to know that Pixie’s story is not over. Valerie hinted at future books featuring Pixie and new characters, promising more magical adventures and opportunities to explore themes of bravery, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Valerie’s next project, "Oh No, Riley," will be a Christmas story, continuing her tradition of weaving faith, love, and a touch of magic into her narratives.
"Just Be You!" is more than a charming fairy tale—it’s a tool for fostering empathy, confidence, and open conversations about difference and acceptance. By presenting complex emotions and challenges in a relatable, magical context, the story helps children understand that it’s okay to feel scared or different and that true happiness comes from embracing who you are.
The classroom scene, where children share their own unique traits, models inclusivity and respect. It encourages readers to celebrate diversity, not just in themselves but in others, creating a ripple effect of kindness and understanding.
Conclusion
Want to grab a copy of "Just Be You!". You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3HeijQk
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