One of a Kind Creatures: A "Sunday Spotlight" Children's Book Review

It’s time for another  “Sunday Spotlight”, where I highlight a children’s book that I genuinely love, sharing my perspective as both a mom and a counselor. You’ll find an honest review, along with simple and meaningful ways to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) into story time, whether you’re reading at home, in a counseling office, or in a classroom.

At the end of each post, I include a link to purchase the book if you’re interested. These are affiliate links, but there is never any pressure to purchase. Clicking and buying through them does not add any extra cost to you or affect the author; it’s simply one optional way to support this blog.

This Week’s Next Pick: One of a Kind Creatures, written and illustrated by Tasos Georgiou

This is a powerful and thoughtful story about belonging, differences, and discovering strength in what makes us unique.

This story introduces us to three very different animal friends, each struggling to fit into a world that expects them to be something they are not.

First, we meet Lio the lion, who only eats vegetables. Unlike the other lions in his pride, Lio doesn’t enjoy hunting or eating meat. His differences are met with ridicule, and eventually, the pride decides he must leave, because, in their eyes, you simply cannot be a lion and eat vegetables.

Next, we meet Aigor the eagle, who is afraid of heights. Instead of soaring through the sky like the other eagles, Aigor lives in a nest only a few feet above the ground. He, too, is mocked for being different, and his flock ultimately sends him away with a clear message: You cannot belong here if you cannot fly.

Then we meet Camila the giraffe, whose neck is much shorter than the others’. Camila tries to fit in, but her difference becomes a source of teasing and exclusion. Eventually, she decides to leave on her own, recognizing that staying means continuing to be hurt for something she cannot change.

When Differences Come Together

As fate would have it, Lio, Aigor, and Camila are swept together by a dust storm and land in a dangerous area filled with quicksand. As they begin to sink, fear sets in, but so does connection. Through conversation and cooperation, the three animals begin to see one another not as “odd ones,” but as individuals with unique abilities and perspectives.

By using their differences, the very traits that once made them feel unworthy, they work together to escape the quicksand. What once caused rejection becomes the key to survival.

Afterward, instead of trying to return to the groups that pushed them away, the three friends make a powerful choice: they decide to search for a place where the “odd ones” belong, a place where being different isn’t a problem, but a strength.

A Note on the Story’s Message

This story offers a gentle yet profound reminder that fitting in should never require changing who you are. Rather than forcing conformity, One of a Kind Creatures celebrates individuality and shows that true belonging comes from acceptance, connection, and mutual respect. Children who have ever felt left out, misunderstood, or “different” will see themselves reflected in these characters. And, just as importantly, they’ll see that differences can be powerful.

From a Counselor’s Chair: Social-Emotional Learning Connections

From a social-emotional learning perspective, this book beautifully reinforces the idea that it’s okay to be different, and that our unique quirks often hold unexpected value.

This story supports meaningful conversations around:

• Identity and self-acceptance: Children learn that who they are is enough, even if they don’t fit expectations.

• Empathy and perspective-taking: Each character experiences exclusion, helping children understand how words and actions can impact others.

• Belonging and inclusion: The book challenges the idea that belonging requires sameness.

• Strength-based thinking: What once felt like a weakness becomes a strength when the characters work together.

This book can be especially powerful for children navigating peer struggles, feeling “othered,” or learning to embrace their individuality. It also provides a natural opening to ask questions like:

• Have you ever felt different or left out?

• What makes you unique?

• How can differences help us work better together?

1. My “One of a Kind” Traits (Self-Awareness & Identity)

Purpose: Help children recognize and appreciate what makes them unique.

Activity:

• Invite children to draw themselves in the center of a page.

• Around the drawing, have them write or illustrate things that make them one of a kind (likes, abilities, preferences, personality traits, or quirks).

• Emphasize that differences don’t need to match anyone else’s to be valuable.

Reflect Together:

• What is something about you that makes you special?

• How can that trait help you or others?

2. Strengths in Differences (Empathy & Perspective-Taking)

Purpose: Help children see how differences can be strengths.

Activity:

• Revisit how Lio, Aigor, and Camila each helped the group escape the quicksand.

• Ask children to think of a time when something “different” about them helped solve a problem.

• In a group, create a chart with two columns:

  • Something Different About Me

  • How It Can Be a Strength

Reflect Together:

• Why do you think everyone doesn’t need to be the same?

• How do our differences help groups work better together?

3. Creating a Place Where Everyone Belongs (Belonging & Inclusion)

Purpose: Reinforce inclusive values and emotional safety.

Activity:

• Ask children to imagine the place the animals wanted to create for the “odd ones.”

• Have them draw or build (with blocks, craft materials, or writing) a space where everyone belongs.

• Invite them to label or describe rules for this space (e.g., “No teasing,” “Everyone gets help,” “Differences are celebrated”).

Reflect Together:

• What makes someone feel safe and welcome?

• How can we help others feel like they belong in our classroom or family?

If you need more ideas, reach out to me!

Overall, One of a Kind Creatures is a meaningful, affirming story that reminds children and adults that the world is richer when everyone is allowed to be exactly who they are.

Want to See a Book Featured?

For “Sunday Spotlight”, my goal is to review 1–3 children’s books each week. If you have a book you’d love to see featured, are a children’s book author yourself, or know an author who might enjoy having their story reviewed, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out anytime at guidedbygiggles@gmail.com 💛

Let’s keep celebrating stories that help kids grow, one giggle (and page) at a time.

Click the picture to grab your copy of One of a Kind Creatures.