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Whoever You Are: A Picture Book Celebrating Differences and Similarities Among Children Worldwide
Enjoy this picture book celebration of diverse childhoods, and the essential things that make us all the same. "A compelling exploration of the differences between children that make them unique as well as the common humanity that unites them." (Publishers Weekly) Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same. They may not speak the same language. Their lives may be quite different from each other. But inside, they are all alike. Stirring words and bold paintings weave their way around our earth, across cultures and generations and remind children to accept differences, to recognize similarities, and—most importantly—to rejoice in both.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
40 people are currently reading
1768 people want to read
About the author
Mem Fox
128 books425 followersMerrion Frances Fox is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and lives in Adelaide, South Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews
February 7, 2017
This is a really cute, simple book about loving yourself and everyone around you :) It was a great lesson for my students. Definitely a lower-level book with a great message!
January 15, 2016
"Smiles are the same,/ and hearts are just the same - / wherever they are, / wherever you are, / wherever we are, / all over the world." While I love many of the sentiments in this book, its exploration of humanity and diversity are lackluster and the illustrations are bizarre.
April 29, 2014
Whoever You Are is a book about how people may look different on the outside and live different lives, but are very similar on the inside. The author, Mem Fox, addresses that people may look different, attend different school, live in different houses, and speak different languages, but they all have similar hearts. We all laugh, love, hurt, smile, and cry. This book’s simple text sends a powerful message. The message is that although people may have many differences, there are common ties that unite us. What a great book about the importance of love for all humankind. I reread this book several times because I just loved it. The gorgeous illustrations depict many different cultures and diversity in our world; and the author’s word choice unites all of the different people in the book together. I love the gold framing around every illustration. This would be a great book to use when teaching about communities or for just sharing the diversity and similarities in our beautiful world.
November 30, 2020
Great message to kids! That people all over the world may live differently or look differently, but still feel the same feelings. Loved the illustrations too.
September 20, 2016
Review: Whoever you are
The picture book “Whoever you are” is written by the Australian Author Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub. Fox is writing out of a very authentic perspective about diversity because she has experienced it herself by being born in Australia, growing up in Africa and studying in England. The picture book starts with the words: “Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world”. This is exactly the message of the book. Despite the differences between people all over the world, there are many universal feelings like joy, pain and love. It transmits the feeling, that we are all the same under the skin. Staub’s colourful oil paintings embellish the story.
A weakness of this book is that it only points out that the children are from different races, cultures and nationalities but it never specifies where which individual comes from. In the book other children are always referred with the pronoun “they, their, theirs”. This somehow creates a distinction between ‘us’ and ‘them’ which I do not appreciate in the context of learning about diversity. This book, published in 1996, was one of the first diverse books. Nowadays there are better diverse picture books like “We Are All Born Free” by Amnesty International.
The picture book “Whoever you are” is written by the Australian Author Mem Fox and illustrated by Leslie Staub. Fox is writing out of a very authentic perspective about diversity because she has experienced it herself by being born in Australia, growing up in Africa and studying in England. The picture book starts with the words: “Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world”. This is exactly the message of the book. Despite the differences between people all over the world, there are many universal feelings like joy, pain and love. It transmits the feeling, that we are all the same under the skin. Staub’s colourful oil paintings embellish the story.
A weakness of this book is that it only points out that the children are from different races, cultures and nationalities but it never specifies where which individual comes from. In the book other children are always referred with the pronoun “they, their, theirs”. This somehow creates a distinction between ‘us’ and ‘them’ which I do not appreciate in the context of learning about diversity. This book, published in 1996, was one of the first diverse books. Nowadays there are better diverse picture books like “We Are All Born Free” by Amnesty International.
June 4, 2018
Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.
The idea behind this is great - teaching children to love and accept one another regardless of differences - but be aware that this is an incredibly simplistic children's books. I would definitely gear this towards toddlers, not children nearing chapter book ages. On a side note, the artwork of the children's faces is slightly terrifying and I am not joking at all when I say that I believe it would frighten some of the more sensitive little ones.
The idea behind this is great - teaching children to love and accept one another regardless of differences - but be aware that this is an incredibly simplistic children's books. I would definitely gear this towards toddlers, not children nearing chapter book ages. On a side note, the artwork of the children's faces is slightly terrifying and I am not joking at all when I say that I believe it would frighten some of the more sensitive little ones.
October 15, 2017
Even though the man on the cover and at the end o the book creeps me out, I appreciate the idea of the book. I like how the characters were real representations of different people and i did notice some stereotypes but the over all message was still powerful and important to introduce to children. No matter who you are or where you come from we have universal feelings of pain, joy , and love and those things , which makes us human brings us together.
December 3, 2013
The main idea of the story is that everyone is the same on the inside, even though you look different, or celebrate differently, every child is the same all over the world. There isn't a main character because there is not a defined plot to the book,but there is brown skinned male that occurs often in the book. The genre is fiction but it contains pictures of children from all over the world doing something that their culture would do. For example, there's a family from the Asian culture, they are wearing hats and clothes that you would see Asians wear, and they are working with crops.
I would use this text to talk about our differences in the classroom and how it's okay to be different and being different doesn't mean that we can't all be friends. The students may be able to relate to some of the children in the book, even if they are not from these places, they can still relate to skin colors of the children in the illustrations. Since this book covers a lot of different ethnic groups, I'm sure each child will be able to "find themselves" in the book.
Both the author and the illustrator are Caucasian, one living in Australia and the other from New Orleans. In the back of the book it states that Mem Fox "travels frequently in her work", so she has seen a variety of lifestyles and she was able to incorporate a lot of diversity in this book. The illustrator has very realistic pictures, they depict each race well with the shades of the family, some family members are darker than others and no two races are the same shade. This book relates to my topic of "We can all be friends" because it shows that we are different and similar in many ways and we can still be friends with each other.
Can use this book for poems!!!
I would use this text to talk about our differences in the classroom and how it's okay to be different and being different doesn't mean that we can't all be friends. The students may be able to relate to some of the children in the book, even if they are not from these places, they can still relate to skin colors of the children in the illustrations. Since this book covers a lot of different ethnic groups, I'm sure each child will be able to "find themselves" in the book.
Both the author and the illustrator are Caucasian, one living in Australia and the other from New Orleans. In the back of the book it states that Mem Fox "travels frequently in her work", so she has seen a variety of lifestyles and she was able to incorporate a lot of diversity in this book. The illustrator has very realistic pictures, they depict each race well with the shades of the family, some family members are darker than others and no two races are the same shade. This book relates to my topic of "We can all be friends" because it shows that we are different and similar in many ways and we can still be friends with each other.
Can use this book for poems!!!
July 17, 2012
This is a great book to read to children that come from different backgrounds/cultures. In today's world, you will find that classrooms are very diverse and this book will explain not only the differences, such as, skin, language, homes, schools, land, but that their hearts, smiles, laughter, hurting, and crying is the same. The words from this book are so true and it is good for children to hear. They go like this: "Whoever you are, Wherever you are, There are little ones just like you, All over the world." The illustrations portray the different ethnicities from when they were children all the way to being adults.
Learning Experience:
Found this very interesting learning experience on the pbs website, www.pbs.org. The activity is called Skin-color Match-ups. This activity will show children that there is a difference in everyones skin color, and that we are the same but also different. The activity goes like this: Set out some knee-high stockings in a variety of shades, such as, tan, black, white, pink, yellow,and red. Encourage children to try on stockings, put on arms, hands, legs, or feet. Ask questions to help increase their awareness of the different skin tones. The questions can be, Is the stocking the same color as your skin, is it lighter/darker, etc. Let children know that no ones skin is red, pink, yellow, or white.
Learning Experience:
Found this very interesting learning experience on the pbs website, www.pbs.org. The activity is called Skin-color Match-ups. This activity will show children that there is a difference in everyones skin color, and that we are the same but also different. The activity goes like this: Set out some knee-high stockings in a variety of shades, such as, tan, black, white, pink, yellow,and red. Encourage children to try on stockings, put on arms, hands, legs, or feet. Ask questions to help increase their awareness of the different skin tones. The questions can be, Is the stocking the same color as your skin, is it lighter/darker, etc. Let children know that no ones skin is red, pink, yellow, or white.
October 29, 2012
The book Whoever You Are is a narrative that discusses diversity. The narrator is talking to all of the different children in the story, who are all over the world. The story explains that others may be different by the way that they look, the language they speak, the land that they live in, and the school that they go to, but we are not too much different from each other on the inside (ex. “Their smiles are like yours. Their hurts are like yours, and they cry like you too.”). As a literacy teacher, I could use this book to teach children about diversity and teach them that we are more alike than different (ex. “Smiles are the same, and hearts are just the same – wherever they are, wherever you are, wherever we are, all over the world.”). The students could interact with the text through the message of diversity. Mem Fox, the author, is Australian and her husband is English. I’m not sure what prompted her to write this book, but with the different cultures between her and her husband, it adds more authenticity to the story (ex. “But inside, their hearts are just like yours, whoever they are, wherever they are, all over the world.”). The illustrator, Leslie Staub, did a great job illustrating the story, the pictures enhance the message of diversity that is being told.
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October 29, 2017Summary: This is a book describing that people may look different, speak different, and their lives may not look the same but inside we are all alike. We all laugh and cry, we learn and we listen, and we sleep and we eat. This book allows us to accept our differences and recognize our similarities.
Evaluation: This is a really sweet book. I feel as though everyone needs to read this book. It sends out a message we all need to know. It is okay to look and speak differently but through it all we are all alike inside. It shows the importance of celebrating our similarities and differences.
Teaching Point: I would pass out blank paper that is in the shape of puzzle pieces. On the puzzle pieces I would have my students draw a picture of themselves. On this they could then write down a couple of words that describes themselves. Once Everyone was done we would put all the puzzle pieces together and we would hang it up. We would talk about although we may look different and like different things, we have stuff in common and fit together to make a classroom.
Evaluation: This is a really sweet book. I feel as though everyone needs to read this book. It sends out a message we all need to know. It is okay to look and speak differently but through it all we are all alike inside. It shows the importance of celebrating our similarities and differences.
Teaching Point: I would pass out blank paper that is in the shape of puzzle pieces. On the puzzle pieces I would have my students draw a picture of themselves. On this they could then write down a couple of words that describes themselves. Once Everyone was done we would put all the puzzle pieces together and we would hang it up. We would talk about although we may look different and like different things, we have stuff in common and fit together to make a classroom.
April 6, 2019
A really sweet book on people being the same all over the world. Not syrupy sweet (thank goodness!), but presents that we're all more alike than we think, no matter who or where we are. A good message for adults too, sometimes! Very simple text, so is a good fit for younger storytimes.
The lost star comes from the illustrations. They are a touch weird at times, at least for my taste. I know they're supposed to be stylized, but I'm just not a fan of that particular "look," I guess. Definitely don't let my taste prevent you from giving this one a try, though. The illustrations are big and bright and clear, so easy for everyone to see and follow along in a storytime audience, it's a great, easily understandable message, and it's still Mem Fox after all!
I used this in a storytime on friendship ("friends come in all shapes and sizes" sort of message). Would also be a good fit for a storytime on diversity, or tied to any of the cultural awareness months/weeks.
The lost star comes from the illustrations. They are a touch weird at times, at least for my taste. I know they're supposed to be stylized, but I'm just not a fan of that particular "look," I guess. Definitely don't let my taste prevent you from giving this one a try, though. The illustrations are big and bright and clear, so easy for everyone to see and follow along in a storytime audience, it's a great, easily understandable message, and it's still Mem Fox after all!
I used this in a storytime on friendship ("friends come in all shapes and sizes" sort of message). Would also be a good fit for a storytime on diversity, or tied to any of the cultural awareness months/weeks.
January 23, 2019
This book is a nice and meaningful book as it shows a variety of cultures and locations around the world and how we are similar in that we all face pain, adversity, love, and joy. This is meant for a younger audience and would be best shown from Kindergarten to 2nd grade. It would be useful to show when the class is just beginning as you want all of the students to see that although we might look different or have different items, that we are similar in the fact that we will experience hardships and joyous things. Although this book had little words and most repeated quite frequently, it was very touching as sometimes I feel like we need to remind ourselves that we shouldn't compare ourselves to other people and that we have shared experiences. The illustrations were really good as it showed a diverse group of people, homes, and cultures.
October 30, 2017
Summary: "Whoever You Are" is about the different ways that people live and look, but all people are still the same on the inside.
Evaluation: I think this is a great book to read to children. It is important for students to see that although they look different on the outside, they still love, laugh and cry.
Teaching: I would read this book during the first few weeks of school. Students need to see the differences and similarities between all people. I would give the students an all about me activity and allow them to share what makes them unique because this is also important. Then, I would read them the book and discuss how all people are similar on the inside. All people are tied together and that they should be friends with everyone.
Evaluation: I think this is a great book to read to children. It is important for students to see that although they look different on the outside, they still love, laugh and cry.
Teaching: I would read this book during the first few weeks of school. Students need to see the differences and similarities between all people. I would give the students an all about me activity and allow them to share what makes them unique because this is also important. Then, I would read them the book and discuss how all people are similar on the inside. All people are tied together and that they should be friends with everyone.
November 7, 2016
I used this book for a read aloud in my class. I think it works great if you want to teach a lesson on diversity and differences. The book emphasizes that everyone might have differences but we are still connected in some way. This message was valuable to read to my students because it showed them that we all might be different in some way!
I would definitely recommend this book for teachers and parents to read to kids. It's important that students become aware of their surroundings. Some students might be unaware that people have different traditions and celebrate different holidays! Hence, it serves as a good way to reflect on our surroundings.
I would definitely recommend this book for teachers and parents to read to kids. It's important that students become aware of their surroundings. Some students might be unaware that people have different traditions and celebrate different holidays! Hence, it serves as a good way to reflect on our surroundings.
October 21, 2012
"Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world."
This children’s book is a great way to display diversity to young students. Fox, the author, expresses how love, laughter, pain, and tears are the same for everyone. Staub painted of the little children in this book are like dolls’. Staub is the illustrator of this book and uses folk-art painting. This is such a great book with beautiful pictures and a wonderful story about diversity.
This children’s book is a great way to display diversity to young students. Fox, the author, expresses how love, laughter, pain, and tears are the same for everyone. Staub painted of the little children in this book are like dolls’. Staub is the illustrator of this book and uses folk-art painting. This is such a great book with beautiful pictures and a wonderful story about diversity.
June 12, 2019
Whoever You Are, is a beautiful storybook for young children using simple semantics about the many fascinating differences in our world. Each page has colorful illustrations of children depicted in their native homes, schools, and countries, reminding us of the fantastic diversity all around us. Teachers could use this book with their class to have a group chat about the different things each noticed in the book.
August 14, 2020
Whoever You Are Written by: Mem Fox Illustrated by: Leslie Staub
Ages: 3-7
Whoever You Are uses easy words and ideas for young children to understand the differences and similarities of people and cultures all around the world. The vibrant illustrations bring this important message to life.
Awards/Recognitions: Reading Rainbow Book
Find more children's books that support diversity and tolerance in my post https://www.teacher-librarian-forlife...
Ages: 3-7
Whoever You Are uses easy words and ideas for young children to understand the differences and similarities of people and cultures all around the world. The vibrant illustrations bring this important message to life.
Awards/Recognitions: Reading Rainbow Book
Find more children's books that support diversity and tolerance in my post https://www.teacher-librarian-forlife...
November 26, 2011
Here is a great uplifting story on how people are all the same despite of their color, culture, and beliefs, etc. As humans we are all the same.
I would recommend this book for use in discussions on bullying and diversity. This book could be used for quite read and read aloud. Great for 1st – 3rd graders
I would recommend this book for use in discussions on bullying and diversity. This book could be used for quite read and read aloud. Great for 1st – 3rd graders
March 9, 2017
Mem Fox is at her best in this lovely, beautifully written, slim volume that talks about kids all over the world. When I was my co-op preschool's librarian, I had our director read it aloud, burned CD's and we gave them with the book to every single child enrolled in the school. This book is forever in my heart.
August 28, 2017
Mem Fox should be enough to sell you on this multi-cultural story about inclusion and acceptance. The illustrations are rich and colorful, making Whoever You Are accessible to the youngest of readers all the way up to middle schoolers. A skinny book with big ideas, folks, and what we need to put in our kids' hands during this turbulent time.
August 31, 2013
A beautiful book that imparts a important message about our world family.
July 27, 2018
A good antidote to On the Night You Were Born.
January 26, 2025
A good reminder, during this time of upheaval, that we should love all people whoever you are.
November 20, 2019
This is one of my favorite Mem Fox books! Whoever you are is a wonderful story about diversity. We are different, yet very much alike. Children all over the world are eating, sleeping, playing and have feelings. We may not look the same, have the same colored skin, live in the same country or speak the same language, but we are all connected in some way, regardless of who you are. I like to use this book to teach diversity, and engage my students in discussions about how important it is to have an open mind.
August 20, 2018
"Little one, whoever you are, wherever you are, there are little ones just like you all over the world."
Love the message given, i.e. everyone is same. No one is different because of color, language or looks! No one should be made to feel different, as our hearts and smiles are alike everywhere around the wold. Therefore, we all should live in peace, love and happiness together and eliminate hate forever!
This is the book.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QCSM...
Love the message given, i.e. everyone is same. No one is different because of color, language or looks! No one should be made to feel different, as our hearts and smiles are alike everywhere around the wold. Therefore, we all should live in peace, love and happiness together and eliminate hate forever!
This is the book.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QCSM...
October 28, 2010
I don't get who the man in the blue suit is supposed to be--he creeps me out.
But the message is, of course, good. We are basically all the same no matter where we live in the world or who we are.
But the message is, of course, good. We are basically all the same no matter where we live in the world or who we are.
December 31, 2020
I was trying to find a book that explain a 4 year old about other languages. i thought this might be that. It might be not the right one but the message of the book overall is pretty nice, we are all the same whoever we are.
June 2, 2014
Good book to show how despite our differences; we are all same. Similar to Dennis Warner's Beads on One String. Could be part of no bullying and class citizenship units.
September 14, 2024
Woke
Illustrating the obvious in a positive way - showing that differences are merely outside.
Of course that is simplistic in a world where individuals are defined by culture and their environment. While we start merely alike as this booklet shows, differences grow over time.
But they again, at the time of death we are all the same again.
Illustrating the obvious in a positive way - showing that differences are merely outside.
Of course that is simplistic in a world where individuals are defined by culture and their environment. While we start merely alike as this booklet shows, differences grow over time.
But they again, at the time of death we are all the same again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 556 reviews