Little Squarehead

Can the way we see the world impact the way we are treated?
Do we allow ourselves to be bullied because we lack courage, confidence and compassion?

One thing for sure is that we can never change another -- we can only change ourselves. This simply told and insightful look at bullying is a thought-provoking must-read for bullied, bullies and bystanders. Our girls love it.

"Once upon a time there was a little girl names Rosa who lived in a small town nestled against a lush emerald forest. She loved playing in the woods with her animal friends. They didn't mind that she looked different from the other children-her head was shaped like a square." -From the book

With school bullying on the rise, it's no secret that children can be cruel-especially to children who are viewed as "different". In Little Squarehead, Rosa learns to cope with the stares of adults and the taunts of children. Her sense of rejection keeps her isolated from others until one day she runs deep into the forest, and cries beside a glistening stream. "Why do I look so different?" she asks in despair. As her tears fell, a mist arises from the water and a sweet, musical voice comforts her, assuring Rosa that all will be well.

The voice beckons her to the edge of a crystal pool, encouraging Rosa to look at her reflection. Rosa is shown a vision of her true self that begins to transform how she sees herself-and eventually, how she sees others.

Rosa visits the secret pool three times, and the voice unveils three powerful gifts that Rosa has within her: courage, confidence, and compassion.

The author of Little Squarehead, certified psychotherapist Peggy O'Neil, is no stranger to prejudice: she's 3'8" "little person" whose motto is WALK TALL - BE BIG ON THE INSIDE. With wisdom and verve, O'Neil conveys the powerful message that how we see ourselves can literally alter our lives. When we see our true selves-and our precious diamond heart-we act with courage, walk in confidence, and relate with compassion. This revelation can literally change our world, especially as children (and adults!) understand and embrace the message presented in Little Squarehead.

Artist Denise Freeman brings a uniquely personal touch to the story, weaving colorful paintings of 15 types of roses that grow in her neighborhood. There's a key at the end of the book so you can find the different types of roses, as well as play Hide & Seek to find the clever images hidden throughout the book.

Celebrating diversity and promoting compassion, Little Squarehead delivers a timely message about beauty within-and how we can find it in both ourselves and others.

Note: this book was a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Best Children's Book 2002.

Pleasant illustrations. Suitable for 4-7 year-olds. A simple tale of learning heart-centeredness that helps to overcome a physical distinctiveness that was inviting teasing and rejection by peers.

While the story is a little facile, suggesting that a positive attitude will overcome all obstacles, its basic message is a healthy one, as in all of the books published by Illumination Arts.

Rosa is a lonely young girl, who suffers from being different than other people. For Rosa's head is shaped like a square, hence, Little Squarehead. She is teased by her classmates, and people about town, young and old, daily. But one day she runs deep into the forest to be alone, and there she encounters a mystical pool of clear water, where she is amazed to see that there is a diamond in the reflection of her heart. She is quickly told by a gentle voice that "This diamond mirrors the beauty that shines within you," and finds self-confidence within herself.

I love finding books that will lift the spirits of a child who has been picked on or teased, and I feel that Peggy O'Neill's LITTLE SQUAREHEAD is the absolute best book on this subject, for it presents the situation in a clear, easy light, that will be understood by even the youngest child. The wonderful prose is delightful, while the illustrations keep you turning the pages at a rapid rate to see what lies beyond. This is a magnificent book that is a must have for all.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Anyone who has been teased knows the pain of feeling different. When Rosa hears children chanting, "Here comes Rosa Redhead. She's a little Squarehead..." she retreats to the forest where she discovers the gifts of Courage, Confidence and Compassion, which change her life forever. This exceptional book that teaches children to understand the differences in people was written by Peggy O'Neill who is a 3'8" tall person.