Join Zafera in the incredible story of The Dirt Girl, as she and her classmates share an amazing adventure and with an ending your child will never forget! Zafera is excited for her first day at school, but when she shows up with dirt on her clothes and twigs in her hair, her classmates have a much different reaction than she expected: One day, it was time for Zafera to go to school. She was excited! “I can’t wait to play with other boys and girls!” she thought. But when Zafera arrived, the other children stared. Many laughed and teased. “Why do you have twigs in your hair?” one boy taunted. “Did you make that dress?” asked another. Zafera did not understand. Will her classmates learn to embrace Zafera’s differences and accept her the way she is? A visit to her home opens their eyes in more ways than one! This highly acclaimed, award-winning story is the perfect tale, combining a fun, whimsical style that will keep kids engaged, while underscoring important themes such as the value of individuality and appreciating nature and the Earth. From the best-selling author of The Snow Monster and The Little Green Jacket , comes a new, engaging character that anyone who dares to be different will instantly relate to, in a book that children will want to read over and over again, and will cherish for years. The Dirt Girl makes a wonderful gift, and is the ideal addition to any children’s bookshelf at home or in the classroom. It’s perfect for ages 3-9 and grades pre-K – 3rd grade. Winner of multiple national and global awards: • Reader's Favorite 5 Star Award • Mom's Choice Award, Gold Winner • Purple Dragonfly Book Awards -- Picture Books 5 & Younger, Honorable Mention -- School Issues, Honorable Mention • Moonbeam Children's Book Award -- Picture Books 4-8, Bronze • National Indie Book Award, 13th Annual -- Picture Books All Ages, Finalist -- Children's Inspirational/Motivational • International Book Award -- Children's Mind/Body/Spirit, Finalist -- Children's Picture Book Hardcover Fiction, Finalist • American Fiction Award -- Children's Mind/Body/Spirit, Winner • Next Generation Indie Books Award -- Children's Picture Book (0-5 Years), Finalist Reader's Favorite 5 Star Review! The Dirt Girl by Jodi Dee is a picture story book dedicated to all children who feel different, be it because of their appearance, their family background, the color of their skin or simply because they enjoy a different kind of lifestyle than the majority. The latter is the case for Zafera. She's a rather pretty girl with lush ginger hair, a sweet smile, and a natural appearance. And nature is something she cares about a lot. When she's ready to go to school, she is looking forward to meeting other boys and girls, but soon finds out that they judge her negatively because she always has flowers in her hair and some dirt on her clothes. She invites all the children to her birthday and all of them accept. The children have no idea how surprised they will be when they see Zafera's home! The magic of the earth, nature and animals abound in this story. The design of The Dirt Girl by Jodi Dee is very beautiful. You can lose yourself in the illustrations, and I found Zafera's home to be beautiful. I'd like to live there myself. It's a bit like a mix of Hobbit and elf homes! Just looking at the images actually relaxes you. The story is the main draw of the book. It's a lovely little tale of a girl who is different - but in a way that should be encouraged. She is mocked by others because they do not understand her. After all, they are used to a world of technology and know little of nature. And as we know, the unknown causes fear and fear causes people to lash out in various ways. In this case, it's a form of bullying. It's a beautiful book with a beautiful story that should be part of every child's library! A multi-award-winning book with 5 star reviews! "A must have for all children!", "Spectacular!" "Timeless." "It's a beautiful book with a beautiful story that should be part of every child's library!" • Reader's Favorite 5 Star Award • Mom's Choice Award, Gold Winner • Purple Dragonfly Book Awards o Picture Books 5 & Younger, Honorable Mention o School Issues, Honorable Mention • Moonbeam Children's Book Award o Picture Books 4-8, Bronze • National Indie Book Award, 13th Annual o Picture Books All Ages, Finalist o Children's Inspirational/Motivational • International Book Award o Children's Mind/Body/Spirit, Finalist o Children's Picture Book Hardcover Fiction, Finalist • American Fiction Award o Children's Mind/Body/Spirit, Winner • Next Generation Indie Books Award o Children's Picture Book (0-5 Years), Finalist A perfect picture book and birthday gift for children and girls ages 3 year to 8 years. Grades Pre-K through Grade 3. A homeschool story and teachers favorite as well as little girl bookshelf. Ginger and red head girls love this! Jodi Dee is an award-w