Scarlet's Tale

When Scarlet was born, her parents did the usual counting.

Two eyes.

One nose.

Ten fingers.

Ten toes.

Also: one long, fluffy, fuzzy, furry tail.

That was a surprise.

Born a bit different than expected, Scarlet has always embraced her uniqueness. When she starts preschool, though, she finds it can be a little scary to stand out from the crowd. But with the help of some new friends, Scarlet's infectious enthusiasm has everyone celebrating what makes her special!

“"This is a solid entry in the classic category of adjusting to fantastical differences; Vernick's tone moves easily from playful to sympathetic.... Comfy illustrations feature figures with soft yet lively lines brushed speedily with digital paints in sunny hues." -- BCCB”

"[G]ood choice to share with young readers not yet ready for more nuanced portrayals of conflict around differences. [...] Recommended for large collections, and specifically to preschool classrooms introducing the topic of -embracing -differences."--School Library Journal
"Illustrations in cheerful colors and a variety of shapes and sizes will appeal to children, [as will] Scarlet's new baby brother. This book is 'for anyone who has ever felt a little different.'"--Booklist
"The book boasts fun, cartoonish, and colorful illustrations that follow the text and vividly express the emotions of the characters throughout the story."--School Library Connection
Praise for Scarlet's Tale:
An Arkansas Diamond Primary Book Award Nominee

* "A story of embracing difference in oneself and in others that's refreshingly even-tempered and light on its toes. Vernick's straightforward, economic prose and Jarvis's softly colored, deeply expressive line drawings portray the glow of unconditional love and the hurt of exclusion without being preachy about either."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Bright background colors and simple details in the illustrations keep the focus on emotions and interactions. Even tailless children will empathize with Scarlet."--Kirkus
"This is a solid entry in the classic category of adjusting to fantastical differences; Vernick's tone moves easily from playful to sympathetic.... Comfy illustrations feature figures with soft yet lively lines brushed speedily with digital paints in sunny hues."--BCCB

Audrey Vernick is the author of over twenty books for young readers, including Unlike Other Monsters, Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?, and First Grade Dropout, as well as Bob, Not Bob! and Dear Substitute, which she co-wrote with Liz Garton Scanlon. She received a 2019 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Audrey writes from her home near the ocean, and you can

Jarvis is the illustrator of Mrs. Mole, I'm Home!; Ready, Set, Build!; Fred Forgets; Alan's Big, Scary Teeth; and Lazy Dave, among others. He had lots of different jobs before creating his first children's book, including bingo caller, bouncy castle painter, record sleeve designer, and animation director. Jarvis particularly loves children's books--what they can do and how they can be kept and loved as little treasures. Check out more of his work at

When Scarlet was born, her parents did the usual counting.Two eyes.One nose.Ten fingers.Ten toes.Also: one long, fluffy, fuzzy, furry tail.That was a surprise.Born a bit different than expected, Scarlet has always embraced her uniqueness. When she starts preschool, though, she finds it can be a little scary to stand out from the crowd. But with the help of some new friends, Scarlet's infectious enthusiasm has everyone celebrating what makes her special!

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