Toot!

Reach for this book when your child expresses frustration about being the smallest on the playground or the slowest to master a new skill. It is an ideal balm for the 'not-yet' moments in a young child's life: when they feel overshadowed by older siblings or peers who seem faster, stronger, and more capable. Toot is a small red train who struggles to keep up with the mighty engines in the yard. Through a gentle narrative, the story explores themes of self-worth and comparison. It moves from the heavy feeling of being 'less than' to a triumphant realization that every individual has a unique purpose. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire to be 'big' while celebrating the specific virtues of patience and reliability. It is a perfect choice for preschool and early elementary children navigating the first hurdles of self-confidence.