A CBC Favorites Pick—Teacher & Librarian Lists (2025) | An IBPA Book Award Finalist – AAPI Communities (2025)
There's nothing more fashionable than confidence in yourself!
Billu is one independent kid. He loves doing things himself, especially getting dressed in the morning. At school, his friends affectionately call him Billu Buttons, because his buttons are never quite lined up right, the left corner of his shirt would never stay tucked in, and his shoelaces were always coming undone. On his birthday, when his friends try to surprise Billu by celebrating his signature style, he surprises—and inspires—them in return.
Featuring a confident Sikh boy, this inspiring picture book celebrates the power of positive thinking and self-acceptance at every stage of one's growth.
Visit Sambasivan & Parikh’s website to download and view free classroom resources for Billu Buttons, including a teacher guide, printable activity kit, a guided sketching activity, and a draw-along video with the illustrator!
Why Teachers and Parents Love This Book
- SEL Focused: Supports classroom discussions around self-esteem, self-acceptance, resilience, and celebrating personal strengths.
- Community Building: Encourages students to value differences and appreciate what makes each classmate unique.
- Cultural Representation: Features a Sikh child wearing articles of Sikhi faith, helping spark conversations about identity and belonging.
- Real-Life Skills: Great for lessons on independence, life skills, and growth mindset in early childhood, preschool, Montessori and Waldorf classrooms.
- Friendship & Empathy: Shows how classmates can support one another and celebrate individuality.
A Perfect Picture Book For
- Preschool–Grade 3
- Montessori and Waldorf classrooms
- SEL units on confidence and individuality
- Discussions around identity and belonging
- School libraries building inclusive collections
A charming classroom-ready story about confidence, independence, and celebrating what makes each child unique.
Gus studied for a doctorate in Psychology at Oxford University and lives in England. A truth seeker of the underlying human condition, his interests span across literature, religion, history and film. A lifelong vegetarian with an enduring belief in the transformative power of words and narrative towards self-actualization.
Delzin Choksey is an illustrator and children's book artist. With a Masters in Animation and training in design and art, she enjoys making an array of products and books designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and compassion in young minds at her studio, Crispy Doodles.Delzin grew up in Mumbai, India and now resides in California with her husband and their two kids who love reading oaks like open books and climbing tales taller than beanstalks. In her spare time, Delzin is often found reveling in the joys of parenthood at the park, indulging in her passion for baking, or lost in the pages of a book.
