John Jenson feels different. When he looks around him, he feels alone. He decides to change things about himself, so he doesn't feel different from everyone else. But he discovers that maybe being different isn’t all that bad. The overall message of the book is to embrace what makes you different, because that is what makes you, you! I love the message of the book and think it is a good message to send to children, but I was not the biggest fan of this book. I feel the story was a little random and all over the place. I especially didn’t understand the ending where it randomly mentioned Norway’s constitution day. The message was good, but the arrangement of the book was poor. ( )

John jenson then alligator is dealing different but he can't figure out why. He thinks it may be his tale so he ties it up, but then he falls and hurts it very bad. His doctor tells him it's okay to feel different and that having a tail can be useful. John Jensen feels better ( )

I'm of the view that "different" is not necessarily a bad thing, so I like to seek out books that stand out from the mainstream American children's litterature, and this book certainly indulged me. Quirky, yet mundane and understated is the story of John Jensen, who indeed is quite different from most of his fellow townsmen in Oslo, Norway. After he tries to transform himself to better fit in, he comes to the understanding that maybe it's okay to be different ... , and he's right! The text is simple and matter of fact. The illustrations are too, but they have this "plastic" quality that makes you want to touch and rub them. My favorite line is when Dr. Field says "Take me for example. I have quite big ears.":
" ... and a big nose, John Jensen thinks. He doesn't say so out loud. He just thinks it to himself."

If you like this one, you will probably also like [b:Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle|1371962|Mini Mia and Her Darling Uncle|Pija Lindenbaum|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1312052629s/1371962.jpg|1361826]. ( )

A bow tie-wearing crocodile learns the value of individuality. A wonderfully whimsical Norwegian import. ( )

Would you feel different if you were a crocodile living and working in a world of oblivious humans? John Jensen does, but a caring doctor (who’s a little bit different himself) assures John that being unique has its advantages. This charming picture book can help perceptive young readers in Kindergarten through third grade understand that sometimes what makes you different is actually what makes you special. Set in Norway, John Jensen’s daily concerns are portrayed with a subtle deadpan humor as he intermingles with all sorts of humans who are seemingly unaware that there is even a reptile in their midst. Meticulous ink drawings chronicle John Jensen’s daily activities in waxy, multi-hued tones with charming and abundant detail. This touching tale will underscore concepts of self-acceptance and self-love; perfect for a storytime to help children understand that being different isn’t really a problem after all, it’s an opportunity. ( )