What Are You, Lou?

Your identity is more than just one word or label.

When Lou, a fluffy-tailed, giant-eared, colorful animal, is asked by the other animals to define himself, he isn’t able to give a one-word answer. Lou isn’t a lemur. Or a snake. Or an armadillo. Lonely and confused, Lou runs away from that dreaded, repetitive question: ＂What are you, Lou?＂But when his atypical traits save him during a frightening encounter in the jungle, Lou realizes he doesn’t need to fit into one box. He’s Lou, and that’s what matters most.

Inclusive and affirming, What Are You, Lou? champions diverse identities and encourages readers to embrace the unique mark they leave on the world. Lou’s journey to self-acceptance will resonate with readers whose identities lie outside of society’s supposed norms. This book celebrates standing out in a world that is constantly trying to box us in.

Backmatter from an established writer and school counselor provides resources for navigating questions of identity with the child in your life.