Goanna

A parent might reach for this book when their child expresses feelings of being different, left out, or unsure of where they fit in. This gentle, quiet story follows a goanna who feels lonely because she is neither a snake nor a lizard and doesn't seem to belong anywhere. She tries to be like other animals, but nothing feels right, deepening her sense of isolation. The book beautifully explores themes of identity, loneliness, and the profound comfort of finding a kindred spirit who accepts you just as you are. Appropriate for ages 6 to 9, though its message is simple and comforting enough for younger children, its power lies in its subtlety. It's a wonderful choice for sensitive children, offering a metaphorical way to talk about the sadness of not belonging and the quiet joy of self-acceptance. It normalizes these difficult feelings without offering an overly boisterous or simplistic solution, instead focusing on the simple power of connection.