Same, Same But Different

Author and illustrator Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw's 2011 picture book is adapted in this vibrantly colorful iconographic-animated short that features dual-narration by Maxwell Glick and Vikas Adam. Backed by a world-music-tinged soundtrack by Ernest Troost, Same, Same But Different compares and contrasts the lives of two young boys whose teachers have matched them up in a pen pal program. American Elliot begins by painting a picture of his world, and Indian Kailash responds with his own interpretation of the “colors of the sea.” The correspondents trade letters back and forth describing their families (Elliot lives in a red brick building with his parents and baby sister; Kailash has 23 family members and many animals), their surroundings, favorite classes, ways to say “hello” (while Kailash and friends bow and say “namaste,” Elliot and his buddies have a special handshake complete with a “secret spiral” and fist bump). Capturing the camaraderie of two young men who have many similarities even though they are worlds apart, this engaging title—featuring a read-along option—is highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)