This article originally appeared in the November-December 1998 Children's Advocate newsmagazine, published by Action Alliance for Children.

A World of Difference

Using books to help children think about differences in temperament

by Ben Peterson

Ignoring the nature vs. nurture debate over who has the most influence on a child's temperament, children's literature has historically focused on the beauty and value of the variety of temperaments apparent in children. These seven stories illustrate that whether children are shy, daring, impulsive, or friendly, their uniqueness should be appreciated. These stories offer parents and teachers a chance to discuss the importance of accepting and understanding the variety of temperaments that children recognize in themselves and each other.

Odd Velvet, by Mary E. Whitcomb, illustrated by Tara Calahan King. From the first day of school, everyone knew that Velvet was odd. When the other students brought their teacher tea, handkerchiefs, and potpourri, Velvet brought an egg carton filled with seven socks, her favorite red shoelaces, and half a sparrow's egg. All the other students played together and enjoyed similar interests, while Velvet played alone and had different interests. "No one wanted to be different the way Velvet was different." But when the teacher decided Velvet's picture was the best in the school's drawing contest, the students began to realize that while "Velvet was different… she wasn't so odd after all." Velvet's teacher does a good job of leading her class and the reader to understand that, although Velvet is different, she can be a friend. King's illustrations show that Velvet is a happy loner, always smiling, so the reader can see that her differences are perfectly fine with her. (Chronicle Books, 1998)

Chester's Way, story and pictures by Kevin Henkes. Chester and his best friend, Wilson, have their own way of doing things. They cut their sandwiches diagonally, double-knot their shoes, and pack a first-aid kit in their back pockets "just in case." Everything is fine until Lily moves to town. She has "her own way of doing things" which includes talking backwards, always wearing a disguise, and carrying a water gun in her back pocket. The boys are disturbed by her outlandish behavior and do their best to avoid her until one day she saves them from some bullies. They learn to appreciate Lily's uniqueness and the three become inseparable friends. Then, on the last page, we suddenly learn that Victor has moved into the neighborhood. The open end of this story provides an excellent chance for children to discuss how Chester, Wilson, and Lily will respond to Victor. Discussing the characters' differences and similarities can help children appreciate the value of their own distinct temperaments. (Greenwillow Books, 1988)

Archibald Frisby, story and pictures by Michael Chesworth. Archibald Frisby "who was as crazy for science as any kid could be," didn't enjoy playing the same games as the other children. His unusual nature worries his mother and she decides to send him to camp in hopes that he might become more like the others. Instead, Archibald's incessant scientific scrutiny make him the hit of the camp as he teaches the guides about the caves, flies his kite at a "world record height," and helps the other campers discover a dinosaur fossil. Chesworth's creative illustrations and clever rhymes make this story about a boy with an unconventional passion for science a joy to read for both children and adults. It is a wonderful example of how a boy's seemingly unusual temperament can gain both appreciation and admiration. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1994)

Bootsie Barker Bites, by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Peggy Rathman. The quiet and reserved young girl who narrates this comical children's book is terrorized daily by her mother's best friend's daughter, Bootsie. She tries to explain to her mother that the moment they are alone, Bootsie pretends to turn into a dinosaur and torments her, but her mother responds, "You must learn to get along with all kinds of people." Finally, when faced with the prospect of spending an entire weekend with Bootsie, the narrator devises a plan that cleverly turns the tables on Bootsie. When reading this story children can discuss the contrasting traits of Bootsie and the narrator, evaluate the mother's advice, and speculate about ways the subdued narrator might defend herself from the malicious Bootsie. (G.P. Putnam Sons, 1992)

Crow Boy, story and pictures by Taro Yashima. From the first day of school, Chibi, "tiny boy," doesn't fit in with the other children. Found hiding underneath the schoolhouse in a cold, dark place, Chibi is painfully shy and afraid. Staring at the ceiling, crossing his eyes, and concentrating on distant noises, he learns to master ways of escaping the strange world of the classroom. The other children react to these peculiarities by making fun of Chibi and calling him names. It's not until their final year at school, when Mr. Isobe reveals Chibi's remarkable talent for imitating the varied cries of crows, that the class begins to imagine what it must be like to be Chibi. Yashima's outstanding illustrations and dramatic story help children consider the perspective of both the timid outcast and those around him. (Viking, 1983)

The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson. In this old favorite, Ferdinand is not like the other bulls in the meadow. While they delight in running, jumping, and butting heads, he enjoys sitting quietly under the cork tree smelling the flowers. All is well until Ferdinand, having been stung by a bumble bee, makes a tremendous uproar and is consequently chosen for the bullfights in Madrid. When the mighty Ferdinand chooses to sit and smell the spectators' flowers rather than fight the swords of the bandelleros, picadores, and the matador, he is sent back to the country, where he spends the rest of his life happily relaxing under the tree. This charming tale of a ferocious-looking bull with a passive disposition shows that appearance and temperament can be quite different. (Viking Press, 1936)

Madeline, stories and pictures by Ludwig Bemelmans. This classic tale, now a movie, can be revisited as a basis for discussion of differences in temperament. In the regimented convent household where Madeline lives, everyone acts the same—except for Madeline, whose fearless and reckless personality is a constant source of anxiety for the headmistress. In the humorous conclusion, we can see how Madeline's uniqueness has won such admiration from the other girls that they'd follow her, even to the point of wanting an operation when Madeline has one. (Viking Press, 1939)

Action Alliance for Children
e-mail aac@4children.org
1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 444-7136