You are Not a Tulip in a Pot
“Some said you should be a tulip in a pot… but you, my child, are a field of wildflowers.” 
They said you should be quiet, calm, and careful.
But you are bold. Bright. Beautifully unexpected.
In this joyful picture book of poetic contrasts, a parent gently lets go of the rules and roles others try to place on a child and embraces the wonder of who their child truly is.
Perfect for bedtime, classrooms, or storytime snuggles, “You Are Not a Tulip in a Pot” celebrates self-expression, emotional growth, and the magic of being fully, freely yourself.
✅ About
A lyrical picture book that invites readers to break out of the boxes they’re placed in. This story explores the contrast between what others expect and who a child truly is, from tricycles to race cars, tea parties to mud puddles. The art, created in watercolor and cut-paper collage, brings playful movement and texture to every page.
This poetic picture book employs vivid comparisons to support social-emotional learning, enabling young readers to explore their identity, self-expression, and individuality. Designed for shared reading between adults and children, it encourages conversations about embracing differences and understanding that children grow in unique and valuable ways. Ideal for classroom, counseling, and home settings.*
✅ **About the Author (Nancy Manet):**
Nancy is an orchestrated rock pianist, vocalist, and songwriter.
Her now adult children had a profound impact on her rigid, religious, and conservative world view when they were growing up.
They had many conversations that Nancy took to heart. She realized she needed to expand and grow. Nancy had to answer complex questions such as, “Why do I believe what I believe?” She realized that many beliefs are ingrained in our childhood and rarely questioned.
Her kids’ unabashed honesty and sincere questions allowed Nancy to grow and for them to be accepted exactly for who they are and how they show up in the world.
Nancy is a cheerleader for those who break the mold of rigid societal norms. She is an ally.
✅ **About the Illustrator (Michelle Buvala):**
Michelle Buvala is a visual artist and illustrator living in Arizona. She has illustrated numerous published books for children and families. She says, “Art has always been a part of me in one way or another. For the past few years, I have focused on the art I love. I create watercolor paintings, pen-and-ink drawings, linocut prints, and mixed-media art pieces. My specialty is watercolor cut-paper collage.”
✅ **Title:** *You Are Not a Tulip in a Pot*
✅ **Author:** Nancy Manet
✅ **Illustrator:** Michelle Buvala
✅ **ISBN:** 978-0-692-67930-2
✅ **LCCN:** 2025934095
✅ **Publisher:** The Small-Tooth-Dog Publishing Group, Tolleson, Arizona
✅ **Website:** [smalltoothdog.com/tulip](https://smalltoothdog.com/tulip)
✅ **Contact:** staff@smalltoothdog.com
✅ **Categories (Suggested BISAC):**
— JUVENILE FICTION / Family / Parents
— JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
— JUVENILE FICTION / Imagination & Play
