April is a month of awareness, compassion, and growth—perfect for nurturing conversations around neurodiversity and our earth. At Make It Cute, we believe in the power of play to spark connection, curiosity, and kindness. Our eco-friendly indoor playhouses are designed to be more than just beautiful spaces—they’re places where children can explore big feelings, celebrate what makes them unique, and fall in love with the world around them.
That’s why this April, we’re so excited to continue our collaboration with OurShelves, a brand dedicated to delivering inclusive, diverse stories to children and families. Together, we’re making a special delivery to the Make It Cute playhouse: the heartwarming picture book It’s Me, Henry by Stephanie Delauriers and illustrated by Genevieve Despres.
Understanding & Growth in Every Page
In this lovely book, published by Orca Book Publishers, “Henry marches to the beat of his own green thumb in this gentle picture book about a boy on the autism spectrum.
Henry doesn't remember to raise his hand and he prefers to call plants by their proper Latin names, much to the frustration of his classmates. Most days, Henry doesn't notice how different he is from the other kids in his grade, but some days he does. On those days he finds refuge under the shade of the Salix babylonica (willow tree) or in the school counselor's office or at his very favorite place in the world: the local botanical gardens. When his class goes on a field trip to these botanical gardens, Henry’s knowledge of the flora and fauna shows the other kids that his unique interests are really something special.”
As we celebrate both Autism Awareness Month and Earth Day, it’s a timely reminder that understanding and caring can take root anywhere—even in the smallest patch of soil.
At OurShelves, every book is carefully selected to reflect the richness of the world children live in, helping families engage in meaningful conversations about identity, inclusion, and empathy. Books like It’s Me, Henry offer a beautiful entry point to talk about neurodiversity, nature, and the joy of being yourself.
Creating Meaningful Moments Through Play
Make It Cute playhouses are built to inspire open-ended play and emotional learning. This April, we’re inviting families to transform their playhouse into a mini garden sanctuary—just like Henry’s. Whether it’s through imaginative play, storytelling, or quiet moments of reflection, the playhouse becomes a safe space to explore big ideas in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Imagine curling up in the playhouse for a storytime surrounded by potted plants and soft sunlight, or pretending to plant seeds and care for a growing garden—where every child, like every plant, is nurtured in their own special way.
Playhouse-Inspired Earth & Autism Awareness Activities
Looking for creative ways to celebrate April inside your Make It Cute playhouse? Here are a few meaningful activities to try:
Plant a Kindness Garden: Have children decorate paper flowers with kind words or things they love about their family, then “plant” them around the playhouse.
Sensory Storytime: Create a cozy nook with soft textures, calming lights, and quiet fidget toys to help all children feel comfortable and engaged while reading It’s Me, Henry.
Pot a Plant Together: Celebrate Earth Day by starting a real mini plant inside or near the playhouse. Let kids care for it just like Henry does in the story.
Neurodiversity Rainbow Art: Encourage kids to create art that reflects what makes them unique, using colors and shapes to represent their feelings and thoughts.
“How Do You Feel at Home?” Wall: Set up a space where kids can draw or write about the places, people, or activities that help them feel safe and happy—just like Henry’s garden.
Why Sustainable Play Matters
At Make It Cute, sustainability is woven into every detail of what we create. Our indoor playhouses are made from eco-conscious materials designed to last through years of creative adventures and meaningful play. By choosing thoughtful, high-quality play decor, families model environmental responsibility and show children that caring for the world starts right at home.
Books like It’s Me, Henry show us that caring can take many forms—from watering a plant to learning about how someone else experiences the world. And in a Make It Cute indoor playhouse, children get to live those values through play.
Celebrate Uniqueness, Inside and Out
This April, we invite you to celebrate the unique way each child sees the world. Whether your family is learning about autism, planting something new, or simply reading together under a handmade (recycled) banner that says “Grow With Kindness,” your playhouse becomes a place of reflection, inclusion, and joy.
Let’s keep growing compassion—one book, one plant, one playful moment at a time.
Connect With Us
How is your family celebrating Autism Awareness Month or Earth Day? What are your favorite garden-themed books or calming playhouse moments? Share your stories and photos with us on Instagram @MakeItCuteKids and @OurShelvesKids—we can’t wait to see what blooms.