How does your child express their individuality? Tell us for a chance to win a £100 John Lewis voucher plus picture book Odd Dog Out

[SorchaMumsnet]

Rob Biddulph's beautiful new picture book Odd Dog Out is all about blazing a trail, and being who you are. To celebrate its publication, we're asking you to share how your mini superstars dare to be different.

It's a dog's life in the big city but one dog doesn't quite fit in. It's lonely being the odd dog out when all she wants to do is find her place in the world. She's willing to travel far on her quest, but it might take a different kind of journey for her to realise that maybe she's exactly where she needs to be.

A sublimely sunny and exquisitely illustrated tale about fitting in and standing out, from the award-winning and tremendously talented Rob Biddulph.

We'd love to hear how your little ones to express their individuality (and how you help them to do so) - whether it's insisting on wearing their favourite character costume 24/7 or only eating certain coloured food. For a chance to win a copy of Odd Dog Out and £100 voucher to spend at John Lewis, just tell us on this thread.

This discussion is sponsored by HarperCollins and will close at midday on 22 February

Books T&Cs apply

Both of my daughters are very stubborn and independent and refuse to do things just because they've been told they should. They both love dressing themselves and unless we're going somewhere where it actually matters, I tend to just leave them to it as I think it's good for them to make their own choices :)

My DD hated wearing socks and shoes and would be barefoot at every opportunity- bit chilly in the winter.

My daughter is 3 and chooses what clothes she wants to wear each day. I feel that gives her an opportunity to express herself.

My son his batman mittens and insisted on wearing them whenever we went out. His other quirk was never to wear matching socks.

Mine loves the colour orange . all clothes have to be orange. It offends my eyes but I let him choose which orange ensemble he wants to wear that day!!

My DD Likes to wear All black with Dr Martens and my DS loves wearing waistcoats and braces with a flap cap that's his own individual style I like that my children don't copy what everyone else does it's good to be different

My child has autism and is VERY individual. He expresses his individualism constantly and I will never stop him being truly unique - he makes me laugh like no one else!

My 3 year old great niece is an old soul. She is very caring & always tells her GG that she mustn't follow her up the garden steps in case she falls. She also follows the gardeners around asking them questions & has her own little bag of garden tools to help them out

I have 2 boys one had a autistic streak that I hope always stays with him he likes to be challenged the harder the better he is so organised his socks are folded my other boy (normal) doesnt try at anything really just skips by

My dd expresses herself by showing what a tomboy she is. She hates looking girly and playing with dolls, so likes to wear blue tops or shirts with cars on and dungarees

My son would insist on wearing his police outfit to pre school, I suppose it was his comfort blanket but luckily by the time he went to school he grew out of that.

Through their motivations. My son's was to learn to read, my daughter's was to be more adult and to walk and interact.

My daughter played rugby

As my youngest son is Non Verbal and on the Autism Spectrum he really is one of a kind. His individuality shows through his Stimming, amazing ability to work out puzzles and the fact he is always happy despite his lack of communication skills. He understands everything going on around him but he chooses not to interact with it all and conveys his needs through british sign language.

When she's not in school I let my daughter pick her own clothes, she doesn't pick anything that matches and often wears stuff like trainers with princess dresses... but she loves it so i'm fine with it :)

SHIRT OUT OF THEIR TROUSERS

Favourite phrase " I can do it myself" which when in a hurry can be very frustrating!!

i let my child express herself in the way she dresses. she doesnt conform to the currently style and yet has a lovely eclectic way to dress that suits her bubbly personality

Mine likes to rock out to the likes of Arcane Roots and Biffy Clayton instead of nursery rhymes!

I don't really know that he did, other than complete stubborn-ness in terms of what he would and wouldn't do!

She's currently wearing her superhero cape and helmet to go to the shops. She isn't one to shy away in the background!

His mischeaviousness is expressed everywhere. Never have I seen a child with hypermobility manage to climb into the places he does. He loves hiding too and has the cheekiest expression when you find him up to mischief!! His red hair adds to that mischief I think!!

My DD likes to go everywhere in fancy dress or in similar clothes to her sister. 9/10 times i allow this but when it comes to somewhere, shall we say, more formal then i have to argue the case. She also likes to experiment with make up. Mostly looking like coco the clown but i wont ever knock her because she can only get better. The latest thing shes into is minecraft. (shes 6) She's a very creative little bundle and has a very vivid imagination and letting her expand on this will hopefully help her into the future,

We mostly rock a dress up costume with multiple hats, beads and Wellington boots to every event. There is no concept of dress down Friday in my child's world, no trip to the supermarket is complete unless you are layered like a tiny Mr T in a sparkly frock... I never want it to end!!

A bit of a naturist - will strip off at any opportunity