Be Yourself

Six-year-old Little Jo is happy and he loves to play, but not in the usual boyish way. He doesn t like bats, balls and toys on springs, but he instead prefers dolls, gowns, crowns, and plush animals with sounds. It s difficult for Little Jo growing up in a stereotypical world where adults decide and label what constitutes a girl s toy and what determines the appropriate toy for a little boy.

His parents try everything to get Little Jo to play with the right toys and to act the right way, but it s his grandmother who sees Little Jo is different and unique from the rest. She gives him a present that is perfect for him.

Based on a true story, Be Yourself, by author Jo Mesiti, shows children--through words and pictures--that no matter what, it s okay to just be yourself."