Spotty the Zebra product reviews

Reading is an important life skill to develop, and I firmly believe that making it fun while children are learning to read while young is pivotal. At our local school there is a lot of focus on learning through play, as well as structured literacy, While on KIWIreviews I am always on the lookout for fun, new, colourful books to add to their small school library for many children to get the pleasure from.

Spotty the Zebra instantly caught my eye, how could I miss it, after all look at that bright yellow background behind a smiling black-white and blue zebra! The blurb on the back cover states that Spotty is quite upset that the other zebras like to tease Spotty, and we get a glimpse into the story that Spotty is going to make an effort to blend in with the other zebras.

When we started to read the first page was overwhelmingly full of zebras, but of course Spotty was instantly visible in the group! The story is written in a rhyming pattern, which I find children love and it helps them to work out what the last word could be, especially if they recognize the first letter. Spotty is a gorgeous zebra who goes through the story trying to change their appearance, firstly by trying to be covered in stripes. When Spotty goes for a walk they meet an intelligent mole who states that Spotty will only be happy when they accept themselves, an artist covered Spotty but then the other zebras didn't know it was them, eventually the paint washed away and the other zebras came and hugged, this was the moment that Spotty realised that being unique is special, and they were proud to stand out in the crowd!

Both of my boys liked this story, and it opened up a discussion on how they were different in their own ways, both from each other and their peers. At the end there are some facts on the different markings and coats on certain animals, and also how different flowers have different patterns and colours.
This story is perfect for young children to feel brave enough to be themselves and not have to change to fit in or be liked, such an important message especially in these times where so much pressure is put on appearance.