Odd Velvet

Reach for this book when your child expresses worry about fitting in or notices that they do things a little differently than their peers. Odd Velvet is a gentle, reassuring story about a girl named Velvet who doesn't follow the latest trends: she wears hand-me-downs, collects milkweed pods, and chooses an old-fashioned doll over the year's must-have toy. It speaks directly to the quiet pressure children feel to conform and the courage it takes to remain true to oneself. While the other children initially find Velvet's choices strange, the story beautifully illustrates how her unique perspective eventually enriches the lives of everyone around her. It is an ideal pick for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the social hierarchies of elementary school. By focusing on the intrinsic value of individuality rather than the need for external validation, this book helps parents normalize the feeling of being different and celebrates the quiet beauty of a child's authentic interests.