Mac and Geeeez!
. . . Being Real Is What It's All About
Mac and Cheese are best friends. When they are together, they get along really well. But when Cheese starts showing off, being silly, and even poking fun at others, he stops acting like himself.
This annoys Mac. Mac helps Cheese realize that his friends like him just the way he is, and that being yourself is the best way to be.
Includes a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators with advice and suggestions to support children being themselves.
Mac & Geeeez! …being real is what it’s all about is part of the Books for Nourishing Friendships Series from Magination Press. Other titles in the series include Peanut Butter & Jellyous …sometimes friendships get sticky and Cake & I Scream! …being bossy isn’t sweet.
From the Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Educators
What Does It Mean to Be Yourself?
First, consider the phrase “be yourself” and talk with your child about what it means. Here are some things “being yourself” does not refer to:
- Trying to be the center of attention (like Cheese) by showing off, making fun of others, telling not-so-funny jokes, and trying too hard to fit in.
- Doing whatever you want (even if it’s wrong).
- Being the best at everything you do.
- Only thinking of yourself and not others.
- Never failing or experiencing disappointment.
- Being happy all the time.
- Matching your inside feelings and thoughts with your outside words and actions.
- Listening to what you like and dislike. It takes dedicated time to really know the answer to questions like “What do I think about that?” or “How do I feel when that happens?”
- Respecting your own opinions while sincerely listening to different ideas.
- Facing and coping with life’s basic challenges while trying to improve all the time.
- Feeling comfortable in your own body and skin.
- Not worrying about others who judge, tease, or get upset if you don’t do what they want.
- Taking responsibility for your actions without blaming others.
- Comparing who you are with that person you want to be, and not comparing yourself to others.
- Showing the world the real you.
- Being confident about your point of view.
- Having the courage to say what you think out loud and proud.
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-4338-2723-5
|
$9.99 |
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning |
| Copyright | 2017 |
| Publisher | Magination Press, American Psychological Association |
| Imprint | Magination Press — American Psychological Association |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 32 |
| Publication Date | 2025-01-01 |
Author: Michael Genhart
Michael Genhart, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in San Francisco and Mill Valley, California. He lives with his family in Marin County.
Illustrator: Steve Mack
Steve Mack has been drawing for as long as he can remember. His first lessons in art were taught to him by watching his grandfather do paint-by-numbers at the summer cottage. Later, he took every drawing class he could find at the local community center and spent every hour of math class sharpening his drawing skills. After graduating from college as a Visual Communications know-it-all, he instead turned from graphic design back to his roots as an illustrator. Steve started freelancing in the year 2000 and has had a steady climb upwards since that time. Steve now lives and illustrates on a small farm with his wife and two young children.
