The Weirdots


Children - Picture Book
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 11/09/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Ann Linus for Readers' Favorite

The Weirdots by Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris is a colorful story about weird-looking dots doing what they like. Juice, a jolly dot, embarks on an adventure through a meadow path. The first dot Juice meets is Aqua, a talented builder. Juice lends Aqua a hand, and soon they build a beautiful structure with blocks. The dot duo continues the adventure and meets a spunky dot, Punk. Punk is cool and plays rock, and together, the three groove. The trio of dots continue on the adventure and meet Gween, a very artistic but sad painter. How will this jolly team connect with grumpy Gween? What other kind of dots will Juice meet on their adventure?

On the face of it, The Weirdots seemed to be just a children’s book about weird dots meeting and having fun. However, after some thought, I realized that this little book depicts human reality. On our journey through life, we meet different people—each one weird (unique) in their way—and we engage with them. Children can learn a thing or two from Juice, who positively engages the dots they meet. Besides its resounding message on individuality and creativity, I loved several other aspects of this book. The dots were indeed weird in shape, but I loved their names, especially “Juice.” I also loved the colorful drawings by Brenda Figueroa. I was impressed with the book’s vocabulary and thought-out end rhymes. The Weirdots by Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris had an unexpected impact on me, and I recommend it.

Philip Van Heusen

Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris invite your child on a journey with Juice, a happy dot, in The Weirdots. As Juice walks, he meets new friends and realizes that each is different. Aqua likes to watch and learn while blending colors. Gween frowns a lot and becomes grumpy sometimes. Purpaul is a dreamer and loves to ponder what might be. Juice meets many other friends and likes each one despite their differences. No one has the right to try to make you into someone you are not. You are fine just the way you are. Your child will enjoy reading this book and looking at the colorful illustrations. As they read, they will learn to appreciate differences and celebrate each one’s uniqueness. I recommend this book as a starting point to discuss acceptance, love, and friendship.

The Weirdots is a collection of dots in all different colors, possessing different talents and skills. Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris write in a rhyming style that will draw your child’s attention and keep them interested as they learn about the dots’ differences. Brenda Figueroa uses bright colors to illustrate the story. While there are many things in this book you can discuss with your child, the main thrust is to help your child understand their uniqueness and the uniqueness of others. As they realize that everyone is different, they will see that differences are to be celebrated instead of condemned. When people learn to be themselves and accept others as they are, this world will become a much better place to live. As you talk with your child, help them understand their differences and how to use those characteristics to become the best person they can be.

Carol Thompson

The Weirdots by Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris introduces young readers to a colorful cast of characters, each with unique traits and personalities. The book explores friendship, self-expression, and emotional awareness themes through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations by Brenda Figueroa. Readers meet Juice, the cheerful dot; Aqua, the observant one; Punk, the lively dancer; Gween, the thoughtful artist; Purpaul, the dreamer; and Ewlo, the playful prankster. Each character brings something unique to the group, illustrating the beauty of individuality and the joy of coming together.

The story follows these charming, adorable dots on a journey of discovery and friendship, encouraging children to embrace their traits and appreciate the differences in others. The Weirdots play, paint, dance, and explore, highlighting the importance of teamwork. From building blocks to grooving to the beat, the activities are relatable and promote social and emotional learning in a fun, engaging way. Figueroa’s illustrations are colorful and captivating; children (and adults) will want to look at them over and over. They are fun and playful, and Figueroa perfectly captures each Weirdot's personality with simple line drawings. Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris offer children valuable lessons about being true to oneself and celebrating diversity. With its rhythmic text and striking visuals, The Weirdots provides an enjoyable read that supports social-emotional growth. The story’s positive messages and playful tone make it an excellent addition to any home or school library. The content will prompt an engaging discussion about embracing individuality, each other, and the importance of friendship.

Diana Lopez

Learning to make friends, share, and collaborate is essential for the development of every child. Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris present a valuable tool to support kids in this process through The Weirdots. Juice is an enthusiastic character who follows a fun-filled path while trying to make new friends. First, Juice meets Aqua, and together, they play by building blocks. Then, they meet Punk, and everyone dances to the rhythm of the music. Later, they meet Gween, who enjoys art; together, they paint and show camaraderie. At each stop, a new friend joins in, each with their own style and special tastes, making the journey increasingly joyful and diverse.

Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris present a wonderful book. Its simple narrative, straightforward vocabulary, and melodic rhymes are ideal for young children to practice reading. The diversity of the characters' interests inspires various activities and hobbies, which I love since all the games take place outdoors. Each dot has a unique and well-defined personality, and despite their differences, they coexist in harmony. Subjects such as love, companionship, and acceptance are presented in an accessible way. This allows children to discover how easy and fun it is to make friends with different interests. One idea I liked is that, with the help of others, we can improve. For example, Gween's paintings are dark. However, when others come along, the art transforms into something loving and colorful. In addition, the illustrations are charming, with simple yet appealing shapes and colors. The Weirdots not only addresses diversity and acceptance but also teaches children how to express their feelings positively.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

In The Weirdots, a children's picture book by Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris, the Weirdots are a happy bunch of colorful dots. Join Juice on a journey to meet other Weirdots, learning a lot about each one, from Aqua who builds blocks to Punk who loves to dance; a deep thinker called Purpaul; Gween, who loves to paint, and Ewlo who loves to play pranks. As the Weirdots join in with each other's activities, they enjoy a wonderful adventure where they learn about each other and why each one is unique.

The Weirdots by Steffanie Najera and C.M. Harris is a fun story for children with plenty of wonderful, colorful illustrations. This is a lovely adventure written in rhyme that will not only delight kids of all ages but will also teach them about self-acceptance. It illustrates clearly how everyone is different and everyone has their own personality, skills, and strengths. This is about the strength to be found in friendship, a celebration of our differences and uniqueness, and it teaches kids to accept themselves and others for who they are. The names are closely related to colors, adding a further layer of education to the story. This story is a reminder that we can all fit in and get on, no matter who we are or our differences. It also teaches that sometimes being different is the best way to be, especially when we live in a world where people are expected to conform to certain standards and looks. A wonderful story, highly recommended for all kids – and a few adults could learn from it too!