Different but Same, Same — Love is the Play an 87-page illustrated children's book A gentle story and game that teach kindness, respect, and the magic of friendship. Step into a magical forest where friendship glows brighter than the stars . In this heartwarming picture book by Franz Richard Bauer, ten colorful friends — Luma the Bright, Bluvi the Gentle, Fizzel the Curious, Zara the Watcher, Shimmie the Swimmer, Puffi the Fluffy, Glowra the Wise, Moro the Strong, Twinkle the Tiny, and Floro the Dreamer — each shine with their own special light. Together, they discover that kindness, respect, and love are the most powerful magic of all. 🌍 What’s inside A gentle, inclusive story that nurtures kindness, respect, empathy, and belonging - Warm, hand-painted illustrations children return to again and again - An interactive cooperative game (“Love is the Play”) with Friendship Cards , Sunbeam Cards , and a Golden Friendship Card finale - A reflective Word Garden page and coloring pages to keep the magic going after storytime ✨ Age & use Perfect for ages 4–8 for the story; the cooperative game engages children up to ~10 . Ideal for families, classrooms, circle time, and social-emotional learning (SEL) . 💫 Themes Kindness • Friendship • Self-acceptance • Unity in diversity • Respect • Gentle mindfulness 💛 Why families love it Parents and educators say this book opens easy conversations about feelings, inclusion, and caring for others. The rhythmic text reads beautifully aloud, while the interactive game turns the message into playful, shared moments. 🌈 About the series Different but Same, Same is a growing collection celebrating kindness, unity, and the power of love—through stories, games, and art activities that invite children to connect and shine together. Love is the Game — and everyone can play. Keywords: children’s books about kindness, friendship, inclusion, empathy, social-emotional learning, preschool stories, bedtime picture books, diversity for kids, moral lessons, mindfulness, emotional growth, family reading, heartwarming stories, illustrated books for children ages 3–10 — a storybook of friendship, kindness, and play. Created for families, teachers, and early childhood educators to support social-emotional learning (SEL), empathy, and cooperative play. 7 keywords describing the book: children’s book about kindness and respect — (Love, Respect, Friendship). - social emotional learning books for kids ages 4–8 — Perfect for educators and parents searching SEL resources. - friendship books for preschool and early readers — Catches “Friendship” + “preschool” + “early reader” audiences together. - interactive storybook for kids — Great for the Love is the Play game element — signals engagement and play value. - diversity and inclusion picture book — “Different but Same, Same”. - mindfulness and empathy books for children — Broad emotional-growth. - bedtime stories about love and belonging — Targets nighttime reading + emotional connection. Listed under: Books › Children's Books › Growing Up & Facts of Life › Friendship, Social Skills & School Life › Friendship › Fiction Books › Children's Books › Growing Up & Facts of Life › Friendship, Social Skills & School Life › Multiculturalism & Tolerance › Fiction Books › Children's Books › Activities, Crafts & Games › Games › Card Games