Wipf and Stock Publishers Announces the Release of Little Envy

19 January 2023

Bremerton, WA - Wipf and Stock Publishers launches a new book Little Envy, written by Rose Sprinkle, to help kids learn to not compare themselves to others.

Little Envy, full of mermaids and under-the-sea adventures, is the third published book in The Little Virtues Series. The heroine is green with envy as she compares what she lacks to the other mermaids. With the help of some magic, she changes herself to fit in, only to once again experience rejection. With the encouragement of the friendly sea mage, she eventually learns to accept herself exactly for who she is, with all her flaws and fins.

Little Envy touches on many prevalent issues including negative body image, bullying, people-pleasing, and unmet expectations. What makes Little Envy special is the breadth of the audience it speaks to. Young kids are immediately drawn to the diverse and colorful mermaids, while pre-teens and adults appreciate the relatability of Little Envy's struggles. Little Envy's realization that she can accept herself is a beautiful lesson in belonging and feeling safe.

With the explosion of social media, Little Envy's message couldn't be more timely. Our young ones can't compete with the constant barrage of unrealistic standards and fierce competition that is largely grounded in unreality.

-Peter M.

The relationship between the mean mermaids and Little Envy is an important dynamic that is explored throughout the book. Little Envy is teased and made fun of for her looks and lack of musical talents. Yet at the end of the book, Little Envy observes the bullying mermaids doing kind things for others. The sea mage kindly explains to Little Envy how her perception drives her feelings.

Once Little Envy realizes that just like her, the mermaids are inherently flawed, neither all good nor all bad, she experiences true empowerment and compassion for herself. She's able to see her bullies through a different lens, not to justify or tolerate their destructive behavior, but to develop a sense of empathy that allows her to let go of her pain and heal. Only then does she let go of her fantasy of pleasing others and thinking they have it better. She comes into her own power and learns that caring about what she thinks and living within her own integrity is what brings true peace.

I knew I needed to show kids the process of finding empowerment. No matter our struggles or what we've been through, we always have the responsibility and power to step out of helplessness. Things aren't always what we think they are, but even if they are, we can choose a different narrative and path.

-Rose Sprinkle

As with all of The Little Virtues books, the moral of the story is dispersed throughout the story with rhyme-verse. The sea mage, or Little Envy's mentor, helps reinforce her sense of self with these beautiful words:

"There's just one Little Envy in all of the sea. And that makes you special, just as loved and worthy."

This coming-of-age story is meant for children 0-12. It teaches social and emotional learning to any child struggling with self-criticism, low self-esteem, and perfectionism.

It can be purchased on Amazon or as part of the Compilation Book which includes five Little Virtues books in one. To get an exclusive discount, click the learn more button below to get notified when available for purchase.

Learn More