The Same but Different: From the author of How Are You Feeling Today?

by Molly Potter, Sarah Jennings (Illustrator)

'Molly Potter's books are just gorgeous and this one is another winner!' Kathy Brodie, Early Years expert and host of Early Years TV
'A good starting point for conversations about inclusion.' The Bookseller

From the bestselling author of How Are You Feeling Today?, this picture book encourages children to celebrate uniqueness and diversity and helps them to challenge stereotypes.

The Same but Different explores the ways in which we're all unique as well as the similarities we all share. Using everyday examples, clear explanations and colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, this book prompts children to broaden their perspectives and rejoice in their differences. After all, imagine how boring the world would be if everyone was exactly the same!

This book covers lots of ways in which we're different, including how we look, where we live, the languages we speak, what our families are like and what we believe in. It's the perfect resource for starting important conversations with children about diversity and inclusion, with topics such as race, disability, gender, sexual orientation and religion. Early Years and PSHE expert Molly Potter also provides a glossary of terms and notes for parents and carers offering advice on tackling prejudice right from the start.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 14, 2021

About the author

Molly Potter started out as a scientist. However, she soon realised that chemistry did not have abundant opportunities for working with people and they were what really interested her - so she jumped ship and trained as a primary school teacher. She has subsequently worked with children and in education in a variety of guises for a long time, including working to support teachers to deliver an effective PSHE/RSE programme.

The first books Molly had published were in creative thinking, problem solving and personal, social and health education (PSHE) and aimed at teachers. Later, she moved on to write picture books that help young children with tricky emotions and situations. Her honest, open, down-to-earth approach leaves children informed and reassured.

Reviews

[Natalie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the illustrations in this cute book all about how we can be the same and different. Most children will go through a stage of feeling different and worrying about it, and this book is the perfect companion to a conversation about these feelings.

Riley went through a stage a couple of years ago where he felt that people wouldn’t like him because of his curly hair. It broke my heart because I love his curls – but this book would have been perfect to help him understand how we are all different in so many different ways and these differences should be celebrated and respected.

The book explores a wide range of differences including physical differences, personality traits, languages, talents and more. It also celebrates how we can be different but also the same which is lovely. Perfectly written for kids to enjoy indecently as well as with a grown-up, with fab illustrations.

[Charlotte Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Year 2 good reads- diversity.
The Same but Different by Molly Potter is a thoughtful and engaging picture book that helps children explore the idea that while people may seem different in many ways.
It helps us to see how everyone is different but we also share many similarities.
The book promotes empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity in a gentle and accessible way.

Potter’s writing is clear, warm, and age-appropriate. She uses simple sentences and inclusive vocabulary that invite discussion without overwhelming young readers

[Naomi Pollen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book as it involves lots of colourful illustrations to capture the children's attention and keep them engaged throughout reading this book. This books talks about how everyone has different interests, birthdays and lots of other things. this is a good way to open up conversation to children about how they may be different from other people such as being dyslexic and to celebrate differences.

[Mel At Precious Steps Childcare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to add to my Diversity collection for my setting. We enjoyed reading this book and talking about our differences ro others and that it's OK to be different

[Holly Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Same but Different’ by Molly Potter is an engaging book that explores diversity. This book encourages children to see how they are all unique but also connected with others through feelings for example.

You can use this book in the classroom as each page prompts discussions on each persons identity.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heavy on the platitudes, this look at all of the differences across the human race ends up telling us we are all similar enough after all. It's bound for countless school library shelves – but it's very doubtful it will be taken from them for entertainment purposes.