Don't Laugh at Me

Reach for this book when your child expresses feeling like an outsider or when you notice them struggling to understand why others look, act, or learn differently. Based on the popular folk song, this story uses rhythmic, repetitive prose to introduce children to a diverse cast of characters: a child with thick glasses, a student who struggles with reading, and a person using a wheelchair: who all share the same simple plea for dignity. It is a powerful tool for teaching that our external differences do not change our internal need for love and respect. While it mentions being the same in God's eyes, the core message of universal empathy makes it a gentle, accessible choice for families wanting to nurture a spirit of kindness and inclusion in children ages 4 to 8. It provides a safe space to discuss the pain of being teased and the power of looking deeper than the surface.