Pop!: Otto, the Kernel Who Didn't Pop Kids Self-Acceptance, Self Esteem Book Ages 3+, Illustrated Sel Kindergarten Books to Read Aloud for Storytime

About the Book

Meet Otto, a young Kernel who's been dreaming about the day he would pop. But what happens when Pop Day finally arrives, and things don't go as planned? When all the Kernels pop except for Otto, he's left wondering what went wrong. Otto returns to his jar, alone, until a delicious smell leads to an exciting discovery. Perhaps Otto didn't need to pop to do everything he'd always dreamed of!

Book Synopsis

Pop!: Otto, the Kernel Who Didn't Pop is one of the heartwarming kids picture books that explores self-acceptance, resilience, and the courage to embrace what makes us different. In this self confidence book, Otto is a young Kernel eagerly awaiting Pop Day, the moment when every Kernel fulfills their destiny by popping. But when the big day arrives and Otto doesn't pop, he feels left behind and unsure of his purpose. As Otto returns to his jar, feeling alone and defeated, a surprising scent leads him to an unexpected realization: he doesn't need to pop to achieve his dreams.

Brought to life by award-winning author and illustrator duo Kilpatrick and Blanco, this is one of those empowering self confidence books for kids that uses vibrant illustrations and a quirky narrative to teach children that it's okay to stand out. Perfect for ages 3 and up, these read-aloud back to school books support social-emotional learning (SEL) by encouraging kids to embrace differences, diversity, build self-confidence, and overcome setbacks. A delightful choice for kindergarten books for classroom, family reading, or gifting, Pop! is one of the inspiring stories for kids, parents, families, teachers, librarians, and as classroom storytimes for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary students celebrating inclusion and diversity. Ideal for fans of The Good Egg and The Bad Seed. Otto's journey is a gentle reminder that being true to yourself is the best kind of pop there is.

Review Quotes

"Otto's adventure is a quirky and endearing one. Kilpatrick effectively teaches readers that, like the protagonist, they can excel even in circumstances that may not be exactly what they pictured. Blanco's charming, full-color illustrations depict Otto and other expressive Kernels in a cheerful kitchen setting. Also included is a creative, detailed illustration of a "map" to MicroWave City, including locales such as Pistachio Way and Juice Box Café.

A clever and delightful snack-time story." - Kirkus Reviews