Sweety

Author: Andrea Zuill
Genre: Picture Book, Children's
Type: Hardcover
Source: Local Public Library
Publisher: Random House / Swartz and Wade
First Published: March 26, 2019
Opening Lines: "Sweety was awkward. Even for a naked mole rat."

Book Description from GoodReads: From the author of WOLF CAMP comes the story of a charming, mushroom-loving, headgear-wearing, totally awkward naked mole rat who is looking for like-minded peeps.

Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification. She's intense and passionate--and her peers don't always get her. But surely there are other mushroom lovers out there? As Sweety sets out to find them, she comes to realize--with a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth-- that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome. With heart and humor and a whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you you--and that's something many kids are going to relate to.Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification. She's intense and passionate--and her peers don't always get her. But surely there are other mushroom lovers out there? As Sweety sets out to find them, she comes to realize--with a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth-- that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome. With heart and humor and a whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you you--and that's something many kids are going to relate to.

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review: You guuuuys!! It is ridiculous how enamoured I am with this picture book. It first caught my eye when it was returned at the library where I work, and I have been suggesting it to my young library customers ever since I read it. 

I can now check off 'read a book about an oddball naked mole rat' off my reading to-do list. Phew!  Andrea Zuill has written a charming and inspiring story about a young naked mole rat named Sweety who isn't like her classmates. She's awkward, sometimes intense, wears thick glasses and a headgear retainer and enjoys unusual hobbies and ways to express herself. She likes who she is but doesn't fit in with her peers which sometimes makes her feel lonely.

With beautiful, expressive illustrations, readers will enjoy seeing how Sweety embraces who she is. She encourages kids to be comfortable with who they are and if they stay true to themselves, they'll find others who appreciate them for all their quirky, oddball awesomeness.  

Sweety is one of those children's picture book characters (like Nerdy Birdy) who will stay with me for a long time. I'm crossing my fingers and toes that there will be more picture books featuring this wee character. Sweety is brave, unapologetic about who she is and aptly named. Sweety, you are so very sweet. I get a goofy smile on my face every time I think of her. 


Favourite Quote: "Aunt Ruth said that being different was one of the best things about her life, and that if you stayed true to yourself, you'd find your people."