Children need to know and be taught about why they are so special. Each child is unique in their own way, no matter how they look or may sound. Your preschooler will feel a real connection by reading the colorful illustrated book, Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good To Be Different by Joshua Evan Roig. This story reflects building self-esteem, confidence, and support which children need as they grow up. Once Willow’s comfort zone was threatened, he began to question why the family should relocate. He couldn’t fully understand why they must move to a new secluded area closer to the river in the forest. He was scared of this new beginning and going to a new school. His concerns were valid and ranged from whether he would be accepted to when he would see his old friends. He had a lot to learn in his new environment, which turned out to be more than he could imagine.

Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled: On Why It Is Good To Be Different by Joshua Evan Roig is such a beautiful story. At the new school, Willow met Luna who welcomed him and she began to share her challenges and experiences in being new at the school. Children will enjoy reading this book and learn that despite their differences, there are others who will accept them as they are. Children will quickly discover that they may not be the only ones scared, feeling insecure, or unsure of themselves when experiencing something new but with encouragement, love, and assistance they can get through it. It was also heartwarming that Mama was able to share her experiences of being a newbie at school too, which was extremely helpful to Willow and put him at ease. After these discussions, Willow began to realize that it was important to be himself and realized that he had nothing to fear. This book is highly recommended.

Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled by Joshua Evan Roig is a children’s storybook about a skunk named Willow who moves to a new location in the woods with his mother and siblings. He also starts his first day at a new school and is nervous about making friends. Williow feels conscious about his size, the white stripe between his eyes, and the stinky gas he passes when he’s scared. His Mama coaches him through it all and encourages him to be brave and go to school to learn new things. When Willow finally starts his first day at school, his worst fears are realized when his teacher asks him to introduce himself and his classmates make fun of everything he is most conscious about. Here, Willow is tested on whether he’ll rise to the occasion and make the best of a bad experience or wallow in his misery.

Willow the Skunk Gets Schooled by Joshua Evan Roig is a delightful, heartwarming, and well-written children’s storybook that teaches them a valuable life lesson through a dialogue between a mother skunk and her child, Willow. Roig tells a relatable story for young children about adapting to changes in their environment, making new friends, and learning to accept and love themselves the way they are. Roig shares a beautiful memory of hope amidst a daunting and disappointing experience; the idea that there is always some good in every negative. The book is beautifully illustrated, perfectly capturing each moment, and the story will give children a lot to think about as they face changes in their lives.