"The Gentle Pen" - Teaching Kids to See Each Other—and Themselves

These illustrations are the begining of Liv's creations of her new book "I'm Not Like You!" - a book that helps children learn about diversity and how we are all different from each other. www.livmclean.com

"The Courageous Work of Today’s Educators”

Step into a classroom guided by a compassionate educator, and you’ll find more than pencils and books. You’ll find seeds—seeds of empathy, understanding, and acceptance—quietly being planted in the minds of our next generation.

Every child brings something beautifully unique into the world. And it is our teachers and educators who help them understand that being different is not something to fear or mock—but something to value.

We’re All Different—In So Many Ways

We come from different religions, speak different languages, celebrate different holidays, and dance to different music. Some of us move through the world with wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. Some wear hearing aids, some have skin conditions like vitiligo, some are blind, and some process thoughts or emotions in a way that’s all their own.

And while the world can sometimes be unkind to those who don't "fit in," teachers are the quiet warriors turning classrooms into safe havens—where differences are not erased, but embraced.

The Role of Teachers in a Diverse World

Educators today don’t just teach math or reading. They teach humanity. They help children recognize and respect the infinite ways we are all individual—from body shapes and cultural traditions to abilities, learning styles, and family structures.

Through thoughtful conversations, inclusive stories, and open dialogue, teachers give students the tools to understand and celebrate the richness of our shared world—not fear it.

My Personal Mission: Turning the Page on Bullying

As a children’s author, I’ve poured my heart into creating stories that reflect this very message—especially in I’m Not the Same as You. This book introduces children to a beautifully diverse group of characters and teaches that learning about differences, and compassion are the real superpowers we need.

But this message is personal, too.

Every day, I encounter fear-based criticism from people who don’t understand the tools I use—people terrified of anything different, including AI. I have taken a great deal of time and energy painting each page and creating the art for this book - so shame on the bullies who come at me calling my art AI. These sad individuals lash out not because they are bad, but because they haven’t been taught better. And that’s exactly why stories like mine—and the courage of good teachers—matter more than ever.

We must raise children who are not afraid of differences—but are better because of them.

We must raise children who don’t bully, exclude, or mock—but who listen, include, and lead with love.

Together, We Shape the Future

The work of building an inclusive, respectful society starts young. It starts in the classroom. It starts with books. It starts with a teacher who says, “Let’s talk about this,” instead of brushing it aside.

And it starts with us—parents, grandparents, authors, librarians, educators, neighbors—who choose to show children that diversity isn’t just a lesson. It’s a gift.

If you believe in raising kinder kids—if you want your children or students to grow into people who understand and uplift others—I invite you to explore I’m Not the Same as You and other heart-centered stories at www.livmclean.com. ("I'm Not the Same as You" will be released July 30th 2025)

Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t just notice differences…learns about and respects our differences.

Gently,

Liv McLean