Brie Schmida Books

The Panda-Badger introduces readers to Pablo, who lives in a seemingly fixed world badgers look like badgers and pandas look like pandas, and everyone knows where they belong. But Pablo is neither one nor the other! He is a unique mix of both. In a society that sees the world in binaries, Pablo’s very existence challenges the boundaries of belonging.

This story sensitively explores the idea that strengths and weaknesses are sometimes a matter of perspective. The badgers thrive in water, while the pandas avoid it. Pablo is in between. Where does someone belong when they do not neatly fit the categories that others rely on? How can Pablo stay true to himself when he feels pulled in opposing directions?

The book provides a platform for discussion about identity, diversity and empathy. This would be great to use a discussion starter for why someone might feel as though they don’t fit in and what others (friends, classmates, communities etc) can do to support those who are questioning the value of their identity.