Belong
By (Author) Mary Rand Hess
Illustrated by Nia Mata
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
HarperCollins
14th April 2025
19th December 2024
United States
Children
Fiction
813.6
Hardback
32
Width 229mm, Height 254mm
404g
You matter . . .
in the way you help.
The way you hug.
The way you laugh.
The way you love.
The way you shout.
The way you speak.
The way you give.
The way you . . . express yourself!
In this warm, uplifting story, a new kid in town finds the courage to carve their own path, one that leads to a celebration of friendship and being yourself.
(I Promise) "This picture book delivers an uplifting message to children, emphasizing accountability and persistence. . . . The illustrations infuse the book with heart, reflecting a contemporary neighborhood that effectively represents the racial makeup of many U.S. cities." Publishers Weekly (I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots) "Matas illustrations are full of texture and joy. Much-needed encouragement to love the skin were in. Kirkus Reviews (I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots) "Digital illustrations from Mata addwarmthand lightheartedness to thisself-loving tale." Publishers Weekly (The One and Only Wolfgang) "A memorable and entertaining celebration of adoption." Kirkus Reviews (Animal Ark) "In this striking collaborative book . . . the words cut deep: 'Remember, we are part of forever.'" New York Times (Animal Ark) "Ideal for sharing one-on-one or with a small group, this impassioned and timely call to reevaluate our relationship with nature is a must-have for poetry collections." School Library Journal (starred review)
Nina Mata is a NYT bestselling illustrator. Her books include Laurie Hernandez's SHE'S GOT THIS, and WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AMERICAN She lives in Rahway, NJ.