As children begin this new world of education (elementary school), many may become aware of trying to figure what makes them stand out amongst a crowd, or what makes them special. In preschool and elementary school, children are at the age where they are learning about conflict-solution and self-resolution in all that is around them. Something Special is a book that allows for children to be focused on the concept of a special talent, and how working to find your path may come with some shortcomings. Concept books mixed with other aspects of children't literature promote categorization, present opportunities to know about and develop concepts, and provide many examples of a certain fact or ability. This story presents many talents, the categories each fit into, and add to the knowledge of a child’s ability to grasp the concept of a special talent vs. a developmental skill. Children are praised and congratulated on important milestones that they accomplish, as they should, but this could create confusion for the word “talent” and “special.” Through this story, they are able to see that there are some things others are better at and that this is perfectly fine. This story is a gentle way of informing them of this truth but will also raise the question of what else they can try in their learning and where they will find their special talent at any point in their lives. Something Special can be read enthusiastically, can be relevant for some children as they possibly identify with one of the characters, can benefit from the perseverance of Sam’s attitude and path towards finding his talent, is a great length to sit through, has beautiful and accurate illustrations to match the story, and is explicitly understood and enjoyed through the storytelling nature of the plot. While Something Special is a fun, relatable story, it is also important in teaching children the concept of talents, the lesson of perseverance, and the beauty of the age they are in as they have a fresh beginning to be the best version of themselves in a confusing yet full world. Scholastic Book Wizard has identified this as a Pre K-2 level story. ( )

Gift from Nana

Everyone in Sam's family has a special talent...except Sam. He can't play piano like Sarah or baseball like Flo; he's not a computer whiz like Eugene, a cook like his dad, or a sculptor like his mom; he can't sing like the birds or even balance a bone on his nose like Fred the dog. But Sam does find a special talent, after all...painting!

See also: Books by Kevin Henkes (Sheila Rae the Brave, Owen, etc.) ( )

This is a storybook that teaches the reader that everyone has something special about them. We just have to find out what it is through trial and error. ( )

Sam is the youngest sibling in his family and feels like he doesn't have a talent like the rest of his family. Sam's siblings, his parents, and his grandmother are each really good at things, like playing the piano, knitting, cooking, etc., but Sam can't do any of the things his family members can. As hard as Sam tries, he becomes discouraged and feels like he has no talent at all. But, Sam soon realizes that he can paint and draw, unlike anyone else in his family.
A great book for young children trying to gain confidence and self-esteem. ( )

Sam felt like he couldn't do anything special. Everyone in his family had a talent of their own, but Sam just couldn't find his niche. He couldn't play piano like his sister or first base like his other. He was a "computer whiz" like his brother or a baker like his father. He couldn't carve like his mom or knit like his grandmother. He tried to sing but even birds wouldn't listen. The moment came along, however, when his talents could be put to use. With his mother in need of help, Sam discovers he can paint very well. Sam discovers his talent and puts it to use by painting pictures of his family doing the things they are best at. ( )