We Are All Equal

by P. Crumble

No matter who you are, where you come from, where you live, what you look like, who you love, whether you are small or tall, whether you walk or run, this book celebrates the richness in our differences and the joy that we are all equal.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, LGBT

Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Pen name of Australian Paul Dumble. P. Crumble is the bestselling author of many humorous children's books.

Reviews

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

With colorful imagery and well rhyming lines, this Picture Book release gets major points for driving home its point in such a way that it's accessible to even the youngest of readers. WE ARE ALL EQUAL … it shouldn't be that hard of a concept and yet, we as a society stumble on it time and time again. No one is better than another because of their appearance, advantages, social standings, financial background, or education. Given the right time, the right place, and the correct placement of heart, we all are entitled to the chance to SHINE. We ALL have the right to the best life we can live, and should be given the chance to do so. Want to be an astronaut? That's not so out of this world! Want to have all the finer things in life? Savings start with a penny! Want to love who you want to love, be who you want to be, and do what you want to do? What's stopping you! Want to change the world? It all starts with a single step.

WE ARE ALL EQUAL reminds us that though we have our differences, where it really matters, deep down...we are in fact all equal...and that's truly a beautiful thing to be celebrated.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this picture book, a variety of animals are compared and the verdict is they are all equal whether they are small or large, old or young, local or immigrant, fast or slow, pretty or ugly, including a note that "We can get married, no love is denied" followed by what appears to be two doe. I especially appreciated the mention that parents aren't worth more than their children. Children will certainly come up with more human comparisons after reading this book, such as rich, popular, education, etc.

NOTE: This was published in the US in 2020, but was originally published in Australia in 2018.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Freddie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and joyful approach in introducing equality. It's a beautiful picture boom that I'm sure will be a favourite amongst progressive parents.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simplistic & didactic, but for a younger age group, the rhyming stanzas (all starting with We Are All Equal) will start conversations about equality and enhance a basic understanding of the concept. I found myself wishing this had been illustrated with people instead of animals to connect more clearly to human rights, especially as the statements do not all really apply to the animal kingdom.

[Brittany Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book to present equality with animals for young children...

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars -- This is a sweetly-illustrated book that celebrates diversity by showing the wide range of animals in nature. While some of the diversity could apply to both animals and humans--i.e., large or small, from different parts of the planet, etc., others are clearly meant to reference only the human condition, such as those passages about marriage and education.

I'm not going to lie, I was kind of hoping for an equality message that would make stronger connections to the animal world--that is, it doesn't make sense for us to love and cherish some animals and see others as merely ingredients, trophies, or resources. At the same time, readers could certainly make these connections themselves, and this book could be a good conversation starter.

ETA: I forgot to add that this book contains an element that I personally appreciated, the idea that the lives of non-parents are just as important as those of parents. That's a sentiment we don't often hear in society, especially not in children's books, and it was refreshing.

[Nae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful book. It helps introduce kids to the fact we are not all the same but we are all equal. I would’ve like to see a mixed couple on the page which talks about marriage rather than two of the same species but otherwise it’s great!

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The short text features a new stanza on each spread, all starting with “We are all equal” and containing simple rhymes (“fun” and “run”). The sweet pencil and watercolor illustrations are realistically colored and rendered; on each spread, an animal from the previous spread meets a new one, in a nice way of tying them all together. Most of the parallels between animals and people work, such as comparing body sizes and abilities, but the mention of marriage with a picture of deer falls a little flat. Still, children will appreciate the spirit of the connection to the human world. With the very positive message that, in spite of our differences, we are all equal, this book could be used as an encouraging read-aloud. It can sometimes be more difficult to engage children in books without a plot, but the illustrations will go a long way in opening the door to early discussions about human rights with children ages 3-7.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overly didactic and talks down to kids in my opinion, most kids would see through this "equality" book. I especially didn't like the page "tests cannot measure the good you will do" and the marry whoever you please page because it didn't show animals mixing but just deer with deer, etc.

Plus when it's this important, the book matters, the message matters, I would recommend:
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold (Author) and Suzanne Kaufman (Illustrator)

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson (Author) and Rafael López (Illustrator)

The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan and Kelly DiPucchio

Note: I received a free digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Katelin Soroko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains how everyone is equal no matter what. It doesn’t matter if you have a big or small house, legs or no legs, or even if you are new to the land! Everyone is equal in their own way and should be treated as such.

This is something I would use to show how everyone in the classroom is different in their own way. Even though we all have differences, does not mean they should be treated different. Everyone should treat everyone the way they want to be treated, no matter how similar or different they are.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful little book with a big message! Gorgeous illustrations will hold children's attention as they learn about equality. The book teaches that every living being regardless of how they look, how they live, what they are capable of, what species they are, where they came from, etc. deserves respect and justice.

Thank you to P. Crumble, Jonathan Bentley, Philomel Books, and Edelweiss for an ecopy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art in this is the thing that steals the show here, as the animals in the artwork are so emotional and freely drawn and just a joy to look at. It makes up for the lackluster text, which, while delivering a very important and kind message, just felt forced and awkward.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I prefer subtlety - so this was a bit saccharine for me.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful rhyming book about all types being equal, strong, big, weaker, small, gay, straight, uglier, prettier... etc. Beautiful. I recommend

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay book with a great message. Good to read to reinforce the messages of equality and harmony and use as a starting point for discussion.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book with a strong message for equality. I wonder if the message is possibly undercut by using animals instead of people.

[Marcela Zuluaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good message and excellent pictures. The way the book is written is so fluid and also shows how animals go one by one telling other animals about equity.

[Ron Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet way to introduce equality to kids.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book featuring a diverse range of animals conveying the message that everyone is different but no differences make anyone less equal.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the illustrations. Great message about how everyone is equal. It obviously uses animals to show this. It's not preachy or anything.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this.

[Zsofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely modern children's book that celebrates diversity. We may look or live different, but we have the same rights! Good to start kids off to be open minded, empathetic thinkers.

[Melissa Entzminger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful message. I love the illustrations.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the importance of acceptance and equality of others, no matter what walk of life they may travel.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Super simple....as equality should be.