4 Lessons ‘Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself’ Taught Us on Its First Birthday

One year ago today, Matthew Gray Gubler (Criminal Minds) released his very first book titled Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself into the world. Rumple has five crooked teeth, three strands of hair, green skin, and his left foot is slightly bigger than his right; he is weird. Gubler chose to write and illustrate something he would enjoy reading and as it would turn out, people all around the world would feel the same way. Rumple Buttercup quickly became a New York Times bestseller.

As an homage to the first anniversary of the book, here are four lessons that Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself taught us. Happy Birthday, Rumple!

 Everyone is weird. That’s what makes us great.

Rumple Buttercup champions several themes. However the theme of self-acceptance is one that goes on throughout the entire book. Rumple reminds readers of all ages that even though everyone is different, we aren’t so different at all.

Being yourself is part of what makes you special.

Everyone, including Rumple, just wants to be seen for who they are and not their differences. The book serves as a nudge that being yourself is magical because there is nobody else like you.

You are lovable just the way you are.

Throughout the book there are light reminders to open your heart up to others. Rumple reminds readers that you don’t have to change who you are to please others, and you certainly don’t need to feel lonely and isolated. Sometimes in a world that judges, we need a lot more Rumple Buttercups to embrace us with long, green arms.

Individuality is sometimes seen as a weakness.

However, Rumple celebrates individuality! Rumple is afraid to talk to strangers and make friends because he feels no one would want to be his friend due to the way he looks. Rumple eventually realizes individuality is a facet that should be celebrated, and he finds tons of people want to be his friend because they are just like him, too.

If you are interested in purchasing Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging and Being Yourself, click here to view all available options on where to purchase.