AWARDS AND ACCOLADES: - 2025 Nautilus Silver Award- Children’s Picture Books - 2025 IPPY Award, Gold- Children’s Illustrated Ebook - Literary Titan Gold Book Award - Next Generation Indie Book Award: Finalist - Children’s Picture Book - Chrysalis BREW Project Seal of Excellence - Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review How can we support our children in loving themselves the way they are and remaining authentic to themselves? The Puzzle Piece guides children as they imagine that the world is a gigantic puzzle and that they are unique pieces in that puzzle. The book explains what it might feel like to change ourselves to fit in versus staying true to ourselves. Readers are encouraged to listen to their intuition, to find their space in the puzzle, and to be able to contribute their unique gifts to our world. "The Puzzle Piece is an inspiring book that beautifully depicts how every individual and creature contributes to the richness of our global community." —Readers' Favorite "This book is a powerful tool that not only inspires children to embrace their individuality but also fills parents and educators with hope for the future." —Midwest Book Review "Mendoza-Vasconez adeptly addresses feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform that many children face. By framing these struggles within the context of fitting into a puzzle, she provides a relatable and comforting metaphor." —Literary Titan Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez, Ph.D. is an award-winning children's book author, a mother, a behavioral scientist, a teacher, an advocate, and a story-teller.Experiencing motherhood expanded her soul, enhancing her understanding of the importance of love, compassion, connection, and authenticity, which are recurring topics in her children's books.Andrea continuously seeks to cultivate these qualities through different resources, including books and workshops, which she eagerly shares with other parents through her website.