Linus

by Stuart Hausmann

In the spirit of All Are Welcome , this gentle picture book about being yourself and inspiring change in others follows sweet, plucky Linus who doesn’t fit into the rigid confines of his straitlaced world—and learns that that’s okay.

Linus is trying his very best to stay in line, but everyone in Linneopolis is bent out of shape because he isn’t square enough for them. When he’s sent to an overnight camp to straighten out and build some character, Linus decides he’s had enough. He’s going to run away and find shapes that aren’t so set in their ways.

But what happens when he starts to miss home? Can he convince the population of Linneopolis to open up instead of shutting down? Or are they too boxed in to hear him out?

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published February 21, 2023

Reviews

[Lesley S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the approach of this book. Simplicity meets color and the two come together and realize they can live alongside one another. It took the bravery of “Linus” to merge the two, not knowing if his idea would work. In the end both sides meet as one and realize just how beautifully they can work together while celebrating uniqueness.
**Innovative

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about embracing one's uniqueness and finding your tribe. A story that is more timely and necessary than ever.

[Kati Bowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - loved the themes, message, and art! I thought that visually this book did a great job of defining the distinct groups, and illustrating the depicted feelings. I did find that a could of pages were awkwardly placed or paced, but overall a delightful read.

[Olivia]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/linus/

LINUS is a picture book about feeling different and finding your people. Linus was a little different than everyone else in Linneopolis, who are a straight-edged bunch. Linus loved color and other shapes. After he acted out a bit, he got put on the building wall detail. Realizing he did not fit in and wouldn't, he ran away. He found some other people, who weren't sure about him at first but eventually embraced him as one of their own. He decides to take some of his new friends back to Linneopolis. When he does, the people of Linneopolis aren't sure about them, but eventually, they begin to realize that different is also good.

What I loved: Ultimately, the message of embracing those who are different is a great one. The images and ideas are interesting with children understanding why colors and diversity is ultimately good (who doesn't love color?). Linus becomes endearing quickly and children will understand that though he makes some small mistakes, his differences are something to celebrate and not to punish. The font is easy to read and clear on each page with a focus on simple images to convey the story.

What left me wanting more: I struggled with some of the messaging that has bigger connotations for adults, with Linus getting put on a work detail to try to reform him when he expresses himself too much and then running away. These topics felt heavier, but they will certainly speak to children who feel a bit different. Ultimately, the book ends on a positive note with Linneopolis learning that being different can be good too.

Final verdict: LINUS is an overall cute picture book with an ultimate message about embracing diversity. Recommend for elementary school aged readers.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book to use when talking about appreciating differences and if everything were the same it would be boring. Linus lives in the straight, black-and-white world of Linneopolis but he just thinks "outside the box." When he discovers the curvy, colored world of Squiggleville, he loves it but misses his home. Why can't we have both? Why indeed Linus? So he helps introduce the two groups and they learn to appreciate the unique qualities of each other. I really appreciate books that start with young kids to teach them that differences are good!

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linus disrupts Lineopolis with his bright colors and flowing shapes. He threw off their perfect calm with his celebrations. The Line Leader asks him to tone it down, but holding himself in just makes him pop into more shapes. He runs away, meeting new friends in Squiggleville. When he starts to miss home, he wonders if his new friends can show his old friends being different isn’t such a bad thing.

[Ryne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for my youngest nephew. He has sensory processing disorder and reacts to stimuli differently than other kids his age. He has latched onto this book and its vibrant colors and asks for it multiple times a week.

While his attachment is primarily to the illustrations and the character Linus, my nephew’s story is relatable to this story of individualism and accepting differences.

[Baby Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Hello, friends! Our book today is Linus by Stuart Hausmann, a sweet story about the joys of diversity, and the possibilities we open by stepping out of line.

In the straight-laced city of Linneapolis, Linus just isn’t like the other rectangular inhabitants. While they all seem to favor grayscale colors, straight lines, and walling themselves off from the rest of the world, Linus can’t help but love shapes, colors, and finding reasons to celebrate. Feeling lonely due to his differences, he sadly decides to take off during the night and explore the colorful world outside of his city. He even finds new friends who understand his sense of style and perspective! But what happens when he starts to miss the ones he loves that are back home?

Simple yet sincere. While Hausmann’s plot feels a little familiar for the theme of bringing two worlds together while finding one’s place in it, the charm of the art and the nicely layered lesson on the benefits of cultural diversity – particularly during a time that it seems like one is desperately needed – make this a thoroughly satisfying read. I especially liked that it is made clear how much the citizens of Linneapolis love and care for Linus, even if his unique qualities put them outside their comfort zone. This detail makes for a smooth transition to building bridges (literally) with Linus’s more diverse friends, and shows that people who are averse to the new aren’t necessarily bad people; sometimes, they just need exposure and patience. Otherwise, the length is good for a storytime, and JJ and I enjoyed this one. Absolutely worth the read, and it’s Baby Bookworm approved!

(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Michele Knott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect for the message of being yourself!

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another version of a book about a main character who doesn't fit in and then finds out that it's ok to be yourself. Sort of like All Are Welcome or A Little Bit Different or similar.

[Heather Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my four year old autistic sons favorite books. He loves Linus and the illustrations are so captivating.

Thank you to the author for writing such a beautiful story.

[Lacy Fullbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book about embracing who you are in a world where you feel different. Love the illustrations.

[Jessica Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved it. Very cute story that we will share with others

[Drew Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids

[Danielle Hammelef · Rating 3 out of 5]

This picture book has a wonderful universal message about being yourself and accepting others as they are. I enjoyed the illustrations, especially the butterfly present in each spread.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm surprised this is is getting such high ratings! Maybe I've read too many of these "be yourself fables" where "little so and so was the only circle in squareland", but this has been done many times before.Not that I didn't like it, but it didn't stand out for me when compared to other books of this ilk. It's basically a less cute "Not Quite Narwhal" with shapes.

As I say with every one of these books: Will work well for pride storytimes, but also much more!