Dana Salim

Here we have a beautifully illustrated book with a creative story that celebrates the beauty to be found in a world full of differences. Young Yousuf is a marvelous little kiddo and his question, let alone feelings towards it, are greater than his years. The Time Travel game that he and his Dad play was not only precious but a learning experience. Between the rhymes and word play, Dad guides Yousuf in the making of his make believe world, but leaves the actual creating and decision making to Yousuf. Like when he and Captain Baboon needed help to escape some dangerous waters, or when he realizes the beautiful flowers he found were being choked by the weeds and had to find a way to rescue them all so they could share their individual beauty, thus answering his initial question about being different. Yousuf's innocent journey through a sometimes hard learned lesson was a joy to be hold as were the colorful illustrations that bedecked every page.

In the end, I enjoyed spending time with Yousuf and can see kiddos far and wide joining in his adventures. It reminds readers that being different is not only okay, but BEAUTIFUL...besides, how boring of a world would it be if we were all the same?


**ecopy was received for review… (meer)

Beautifully Different is the second book in Dana Salim’s Yousuf’s Everyday Adventure series.

The story opens with Yousuf playing with blocks on the floor with his father. He asks his father why people are different. He goes on to say that some children at school are picked on because they are different. His dad suggests they play the imagination game. Yousuf closes his eyes and the game begins. Dad directs the game and his part of the story is in rhyme. He adds in little problems that Yousuf must find solutions to, so it’s not only dad’s imagination but also Yousuf’s that’s directing the story.

Yousuf is in a land of beautiful flowers, all different shapes and colours. The weeds come to scare them away. Yousuf needs to help the flowers unite and chase the weeds away.

I read this story to a 3 and 4 year old. They loved the story and the big bright illustrations and asked straight away for the story again.
Me: How did Yousuf get to the Island?
3yo: The birds took him (she took the story literally)
4yo: In a dream

Me: What was your favourite part of the story?
3yo: The flowers
4yo: chasing the yucky weeds away.

Recommended for 4+ preschool, Kindergarten age when they become more aware of the people around them and better understand the concept of imagination.

Beautifully Different is a book we will definitely be reading again and again.

With my thanks to the author for my copy to read to the children.… (meer)