Roger, the Jolly Pirate

Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not fit the mold or when their natural personality seems at odds with their environment. Roger is a pirate who is simply too jolly, and while his shipmates value toughness and grit, Roger finds himself constantly banished below deck for his cheerful disposition. It is a lighthearted yet resonant look at the struggle for belonging and the validation that comes when our supposedly inconvenient traits turn out to be our greatest strengths. Ideal for children aged 4 to 8, this story uses the high-energy world of pirates to explore self-confidence and identity. Parents will appreciate how Helquist, the celebrated illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events, uses vivid and humorous artwork to normalize the feeling of being the odd one out. It provides a comforting message that being yourself is not just okay, it can actually save the day.