Where Oliver Fits, by Cale Atkinson

Everyone fells a bit out of place from time to time.  Some people really struggle to figure out where they fit in.  In Cale Atkinson's Where Oliver Fits, Oliver is a little puzzle piece who simply cannot find his place.  He tries and tries, but he doesn't seem to fit anywhere.  He goes to great lengths to change his color and shape, becoming someone he's not, but that doesn't work out.  Eventually he realized that lots of other puzzle pieces were just like him, trying to be something they're not in order to fit in.  When all the pieces are just themselves, they discover that they fit together nicely!

It's a simple message, but one that everyone needs to hear at some point in their lives.  The earlier kids learn to be themselves and accept their physical characteristics and personality quirks, for better or for worse, the happier they will be.  In an age of bullying and body shaming, kids need to hear that they are unique and fill a spot in their world that no one else can fill.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!