What do you think?
Rate this book
Roxy and Maliboo: It's Okay to Be Different
In this super cute and playful read-aloud picture book, Roxy is a lovable dog who has lost a leg because she was sick, and is now faced with accepting this difficult new change. She sleeps on the couch and dreams of going to the dog park to play. When she is healed, she finally gets to go. Once there, she sees a dog sitting all alone, looking sad. His name is Maliboo and he is different too. Roxy goes over and tells him about her own experiences and insecurities, which helps Maliboo to overcome his fears. He and Roxy go and play with the other dogs, who accept them just fine despite their unique features. The lesson they both learn is that it's okay to be different. Roxy's story is meant to give children the confidence to be themselves and not let any differences dictate their self-worth.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 24, 2021
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 3, 2021
Roxy and Maliboo, It’s Okay to Be Different, is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a three-legged dog who dreams of being able to roam free in the park with his friends. When he finally gets to run in the park, he meets up with a dog named Maliboo who also has a disability. Together they discover that it’s okay to be different and that having a disability doesn’t prevent you from having fun. Author Hillary Sussman, a physical therapist for 23 years, was inspired to write this book after working with many clients with disabilities and also after her real dog Roxy had to undergo four surgeries. This charmingly-illustrated, rhyming tale is the perfect resource for parents and educators of children aged 4 to 7 to teach self-acceptance and overcoming disabilities. A must-read picture book!
December 5, 2021
Roxy and Maliboo: It's Okay to Be Different by Hillary Sussman
Roxy and Maliboo is an empowering book that encourages children to be proud of their distinct features, accept each other's differences, celebrate their abilities, and show that It's Okay to Be Different.
This heartwarming story is about an adorable dog Roxy Roo who has lost a leg due to sickness. It's a difficult time for her to cope with the change, and she can't allow going outside to play in the park with her friends. After some time, when Roxy is recovered, she meets a dog, Maliboo, in the park who looks sad and is sitting alone in the park because he thinks that other dogs will not accept him as he has only one ear. Then Roxy shared her experiences with him and helps him overcome his fears and
inspire him to understand that our unique features make us special.
This book shows how, despite experiencing challenges, they are eternally optimistic, and nothing stops them from having fun.
This book is not about showing sympathy but celebrating their uniqueness and telling them that it's okay to be different.
Roxy's story helps children overcome their fears and helps them gain confidence, realize their true worth, and teaches them to love themselves.
Perfect for 3+
Grab your copy from Amazon.
Roxy and Maliboo is an empowering book that encourages children to be proud of their distinct features, accept each other's differences, celebrate their abilities, and show that It's Okay to Be Different.
This heartwarming story is about an adorable dog Roxy Roo who has lost a leg due to sickness. It's a difficult time for her to cope with the change, and she can't allow going outside to play in the park with her friends. After some time, when Roxy is recovered, she meets a dog, Maliboo, in the park who looks sad and is sitting alone in the park because he thinks that other dogs will not accept him as he has only one ear. Then Roxy shared her experiences with him and helps him overcome his fears and
inspire him to understand that our unique features make us special.
This book shows how, despite experiencing challenges, they are eternally optimistic, and nothing stops them from having fun.
This book is not about showing sympathy but celebrating their uniqueness and telling them that it's okay to be different.
Roxy's story helps children overcome their fears and helps them gain confidence, realize their true worth, and teaches them to love themselves.
Perfect for 3+
Grab your copy from Amazon.
February 17, 2026
Summary: This story is about a dog named Roxy who lost a leg after being sick. Roxy does not look the same as the other dogs, therefore she is nervous to go to the dog park. At the park Roxy meets another dog named Maliboo, a dog who is also special. The two become friends and bond over what makes them the dogs they are. They learn how to embrace their differences together (ChatGPT, 2026).
Commentary: I think using dogs to tell this story really helps young children better understand that everyone looks different. This is a really cute story and does a good job of getting the message across while still being fun. There are themes of self-love, friendship, and diversity in this book.
Application: This book is a great way to teach my future students how to be loving and accepting of others. It is important for kids to include everyone and treat all people with kindness and love. The intended age group for this story is 3 to 11 years (ChatGPT, 2026). All children can benefit from reading this book.
Commentary: I think using dogs to tell this story really helps young children better understand that everyone looks different. This is a really cute story and does a good job of getting the message across while still being fun. There are themes of self-love, friendship, and diversity in this book.
Application: This book is a great way to teach my future students how to be loving and accepting of others. It is important for kids to include everyone and treat all people with kindness and love. The intended age group for this story is 3 to 11 years (ChatGPT, 2026). All children can benefit from reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews