Exclamation Mark

What the Story is About

Once upon a time, there was a punctuation mark that didn't quite fit in. He was tall, loud, and very clearly… not a period. So, he tried to blend in. He tried to be quiet. He tried to not stick out. But no matter what he did, he still felt odd.

Then, one day, he met a curious little question mark—someone who was also different in her own way. Their friendship opened up something new. As they talked, laughed, and asked questions, the exclamation mark discovered something about himself: that being different wasn't a problem—it was a gift.

And from there, his voice began to grow.

Why This Book Matters

Many children, even very young ones, already feel the tension of not quite fitting in. Whether it's about how they speak, what they enjoy, or simply how they show up in the world—there's a quiet urge to blend in and avoid standing out.

This story gently says: You don't have to.

Even better, it shows how meeting someone who's also different can help us embrace our own uniqueness. It also reminds us that knowing ourselves is just the beginning—we aren't limited to one fixed image of who we are. We can discover, grow, and even swap roles sometimes, just like the exclamation mark and the question mark do—playfully—on the last page.

Notes on the Illustrations

Set against simple lined writing paper, the punctuation marks become full characters—each with mood, energy, and emotion. The exclamation mark looks different from the start, but it's in the expressions and body language that we see his inner world: his shrinking in the beginning and his joy toward the end.

Children may enjoy spotting how the punctuation marks seem to move, react, and come alive, even without arms or faces.

Also, don't miss the last page! There's a delightful twist where the exclamation mark starts asking questions, and the question mark answers enthusiastically. This is a subtle nod to how flexible and fun identity can be once we feel free.

Deeper Reflections for the Teacher

This story can mean different things at different ages. For younger children, it's a silly tale about a punctuation mark finding its place. But for older ones, it holds more profound questions:

• Why do we feel pressure to "be like everyone else"?

• How much of that pressure comes from outside—and how much from within?

• What helps us move from hiding our differences to embracing them?

• And how do we avoid limiting ourselves to that image once we know ourselves?

This book is also an opportunity to model something important: vulnerability with lightness.

When a trusted adult shares something about their own differences—especially in a light or funny way—it helps children feel less alone.

It doesn't have to be dramatic. Something as simple as:

"When I was in school, I always asked too many questions. My teacher once called me 'Question Bank!'"

or

"I used to wear socks that never matched—not because I was cool, but because I just never noticed…"

—can gently tell children: You're not the only one who's ever felt different.

It does three important things:

• Normalizes difference

• Builds emotional trust

• Invites children to reflect and share

It's one of the most human things you can do as a teacher: let children know you've been there too.

For ESL and Multilingual Classrooms

This book is especially useful for children learning English.

Because it focuses on punctuation, it becomes a natural way to introduce symbols used in English writing. The language is simple and repetitive, making it accessible. But more importantly, it shows that language has emotion—that punctuation isn't just grammar; it's a way to express our feelings. This emotional layer helps ESL learners connect with English more humanly and less technically.

Questions to Ask Children

Let children reflect quietly or discuss in small groups. No pressure to share—just space to think and wonder.

• Have you ever felt like you were different from others?

• What did the exclamation mark try to do to fit in? Did it work?

• How did meeting the question mark help?

• What makes you different—and are you proud of it?

• Do you think we may change as we grow?

Activities to Explore Together

1. "Who We Are Matters" Wall

Each child makes a mini-poster with their name and 3–5 things that make them unique. It could be habits, likes, stories, or dreams. These can go up on a wall titled "Who We Are Matters."

2. Punctuation Headbands & Mime

Make simple punctuation headbands: period, question mark, exclamation mark. Have children walk or act like that punctuation—how would an exclamation mark walk into the room? What about a quiet little period? It's fun and builds emotional awareness, too.

3. Partner Dialogue

In pairs, one child is the question mark, and the other the exclamation mark. Let them take turns having a short, silly conversation:

"Do you like mangoes?"

"Yes, I do!"

"Really?"

"Absolutely!!"

They can even swap roles—just like in the book.

4. Then and Now Drawing

Ask children to draw two versions of the exclamation mark: one when he was trying to fit in and one after discovering his voice. What changed? This helps children notice emotional transformation through visuals.