things that are different

Things That Are Different

Written & Illustrated by Jessie Leete

Nicknamed the Mexican Walking Fish, this unique salamander has long, pink gills around his neck to help him breathe underwater in the lakes of Mexico.

What makes this amphibian special is that if he is injured or loses a limb, he can grow a new one right back. This helps them to stay healthy and strong.

The Frigate Bird might look like a common robin, but he only lives in tropical places like Costa Rica. He can fly for several days without stopping.

Male Frigate Birds have a bright red pouch on their chest that they can inflate like a balloon. It makes them stand out among the other birds.

The Dumbo Octoupus is found in all 7 oceans of the world. It is only 8 inches long which is much smaller than a common octopus, which is usually the size of a large pizza.

The Dumbo Octopus is also different because it has small fins on top of its head that look like tiny ears.

The Long Eared Jerboa is a desert mouse who only comes out at night. He is much taller than a common mouse, and also has long ears like a rabbit.

He has long legs like a kangaroo that help him jump around the desert looking for small insects to snack on.

The Hairy Frogfish lives in tropic waters. He can change the color of his skin to match the coral, sand, and sea sponges around him.

Most fish swim around in the water, but the Hairy Frogfish likes to go for walks! Unlike other fish, the Hairy Frogfish has feet!

The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is very different from the pigeons you might find in your city. It is the largest pigeon in the world.

The Crowned Pigeon cannot fly very far because of its large size. These pigeons don’t chirp or sing like other birds. Instead, they make a loud noise that sounds like, “BOOM-PA!”

Things That are Different highlights six rare species that exist in our natural world. Each creature can be compared to a more indentifiable common species, but features exotic characteristics which make it special

and unique.

Please use the themes in this book to embrace your child’s differences. Everything that is different about an individual is what

distinguishes them from the rest in a unique and special way. Differences should be

celebrated. If everyone was the same, we wouldn’t have anything new and interesting

to share with the world.

© 2012 Jessie Leete