A Bad Case of Stripes
By David Shannon
The Story
A girl so worried about fitting in that she never admits she loves lima beans wakes up one day covered in stripes that keep changing — and can't seem to recognize herself anymore.
Why It's Special
For the kid who already senses that fitting in and being yourself don't always line up, this one names that tension out loud.
- Big idea: Hiding who you are to please others costs more than it seems worth.
- Vibes: Wry, a little wild, visually inventive with a satisfying dose of relief at the end.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on caring less about what others think
- enjoy stories with a strange, funny twist
- respond well to books that name big feelings directly
- like to talk about fitting in versus standing out
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Camilla never told anyone she actually likes lima beans?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Camilla felt when she didn't recognize herself anymore?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever pretended not to like something because your friends didn't like it?
- Imagination: If you woke up covered in stripes, what colors and patterns would you want them to be?
- Big ideas: What do you think finally helped Camilla feel like herself again?
