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Be WHOO You Are
July 16, 2025 Paperback and eBook Publisher: Archway Publishing
Kathleen Welton
Illustrated by Nuno Alexandre Vieira
Finalist Feathered Quill Book Awards
Royal Dragonfly Book Award Winner
NYC Big Book Award Winner
Readers' Choice Book Awards
Best Book Awards Finalist
Ollie the Owl seeks his purpose. Through helping others, he discovers that being kind, curious, and true to himself is exactly WHOO he’s meant to be.
“Kathleen Welton’s storytelling is imaginative and inspiring, encouraging children to explore their potential and find joy in being themselves. The book’s gentle tone and uplifting message make it an excellent choice for bedtime reading or classroom discussions about self-esteem and individuality. Be Whoo You Are is a charming and thoughtful book that combines lyrical prose, stunning illustrations, and a timeless message. So many inspirational takeaways for children make it a must-read for young readers and a wonderful addition to any classroom or child's library.”
—Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite, 5 Stars
"At its heart, this book is about identity, courage, and kindness. It
shows children that they don’t need to be anyone else and that they already
have what they need to shine. And honestly? That’s a lesson most of us still
need to hear even as adults. Be WHOO You Are by Kathleen Welton is one of a
kind—gentle, warm, and hopeful and it is a must-read story that reminds us
all, young or old, that being yourself is more than enough."
—Feathered Quill Book Reviews
"Original, charming, a fun read with an important message for children ages 4-6, Be WHOO You Are by author/storyteller Kathleen Welton and artist/illustrator Nuno Alexandre Vieira is a thoroughly 'kid friendly' and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community/public library picture book collections."
—Midwest Book Review
"Be Whoo You Are is a children’s book that will delight readers young and old. The characters are fun to get to know, and the storyline teaches children a few lessons throughout the pages while they also get to stop and admire the warm and inviting illustrations that were provided in full-paged format."
—LitPick Book Reviews, 5 Stars
"A sweet and heart-warming picture book, about a little owl and his journey to find his purpose."
—Readers' Choice Book Awards, 5 Stars
"Ollie is shown as an adventurous little soul who doesn’t hesitate to help his friends, which is a very nice way to be. The messages of being comfortable with who you are and of overcoming one's fears to help someone else makes this work an inspiring read."
—US Review of Books
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