Minnie has had a bad day at school. Some children made fun of her looks, and she wishes she was more like them.

Max, Minnie’s dog, wishes he looked different too. And he doesn’t understand why Grandma doesn’t like his singing!

When Grandma sees that Minnie and Max aren’t OK, she takes them to the park. There, they see lots of children and dogs – all with different shapes, sizes, colours and special traits. If they all looked the same, would it be better or worse?

Body image is an increasingly important issue for young children. This beautifully illustrated, confidence-boosting book will help encourage children aged 3-7 to celebrate their strengths and embrace diversity. Included are questions that adults can ask to see how children relate to Minnie and Max’s thoughts and feelings. Colourful, funny and uplifting, this book will help you make sure your child is OK with their body image!

Author Bio:

Chris Calland and Nicky Hutchinson have over 25 years’ experience working with children and families. They are both trained teachers and have worked for Bristol Education Authority for 18 years as behaviour consultants, advising on emotional health and wellbeing for children from 3-18

Review:

‘This is a delightful book with beautiful illustrations. The story gently explores body image and diversity in an age appropriate way for 3-7 year olds. This will be a great book to use with young children as a tool to explore and enhance their wellbeing.’ – Sonia Mainstone-Cotton, early years and nurture outreach consultant

‘Minnie & Max are OK! is such a refreshing read, which lovingly tackles the all-important issue of self-esteem in children. With exquisite illustrations to complement the clever story, no reader could fail to feel cheered by Minnie and her scruffy canine friend. I love this book!’ – Rebecca Seymour, Little Parachutes

‘Today, children as young as five diet! With this inspirational book Chris Calland and Nicky Hutchinson address the gap in the resources which are available to parents and schools to reduce the harmful impact of the media on children’s body image and self-esteem. This enchanting, everyday story offers a refreshingly different, proactive approach to encouraging children to recognise their strengths and talents and celebrate differences. It will enable parents and practitioners to tackle the tough questions that children ask and have open conversations around body image.’ – Dr Ruth MacConville, educational consultant and author of Positive Body Image for Kids