Here’s a great book about self-acceptance, empathy, and the importance of embracing people’s differences.

Leo’s Listening Ears by Krupi S. Rajpatty follows a young boy named Leo on his very first day of school. Although he feels excited to meet new friends and start this new adventure, he is also nervous because he wears hearing aids. His mother lovingly calls them his “listening ears.” However, Leo worries that they might make him seem different or prevent other children from accepting him.

With encouragement from his parents and a warm welcome from his teacher and classmates, Leo gradually gains confidence. When he explains how his hearing aids help him hear sounds, voices, and the world around him, his classmates respond with curiosity, kindness, and support.

Throughout the school day, Leo realizes that his differences do not hold him back. Instead, they are simply part of who he is. By the end of the day, Leo feels proud of his listening ears, happy about the friends he has made, and excited to return to school.

We read this with the second graders and they enjoyed it. After we read it, we had a great conversation about empathy, accepting people’s differences and building a welcoming learning environment at school. Also It helps children understand what hearing aids are, and reinforces that being different isn’t something to hide.

The message is important and the illustrations are great. This book is a must have for anyone with a child who has hearing aids and definitely an important addition to the classroom bookshelf. The world needs more books like this!