PPBF: We're All Wonders

And now on to today's Perfect Picture Book Friday pick

We're All Wonders, the picture book companion
to R. J. Palacio's Wonder.

We're All Wonders

Written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio
Art directed by Isabel Warren-Lynch
Based on illustrations by Tad Carpenter

Borzoi Books Alfred A. Knopf, 2017
Ages 4-8, 32 pp


Themes:
Differences, Individuality, Self-Esteem


Opening:
I know I am not an ordinary kid.

Sure I do ordinary things. 

I ride a bike. I eat ice cream. I play ball.

I just don't look ordinary.

I don't look like other kids.

Synopsis:

Wonder, by R. J. Palacio

Based on the best-selling middle grade book, Wonder, We're All Wonders spreads a simple message from MC Auggie's point-of-view: We are all wonderfully made. No two people are identical. Though some kids like Auggie have facial differences, every person is precious. The text encourages readers to look at another's similarities and build connections from there.


What I Love:
Anyone who has ever encountered another person with a difference so stunning that you've struggled with the proper reaction will want to read and share this picture book.

Under the urging of her publisher, the author turned her book into a picture book, choosing to do the illustrations herself in ProCreate, to get her message to an even wider audience. This is one of those stories you need to prepare kids for future interactions. We all hope we will do and say kind things, but until we walk a mile in someone's shoes (or ASK what should and shouldn't be said) we never know quite how we will respond.

A sweet, simple story with a powerful message.


Bonus: 

1. The movie version of the middle grade book, Wonder, comes to theaters November 17, 2017.

2. You'll find great interviews with the author on Brightly, NPR, and Publisher's Weekly.

3. Get involved or give to Choose Kind, the charity inspired by the original Wonder. PW shares more info.

4. On Mondays, I blog Middle Grade book reviews with the MMGM gang. Many of them have reviewed Palacio's MG version of Auggie's story. Here are links for our fearless leader Shannon Messenger, and a handful of my other MMGM reviewer friends: Heidi, the Geo-Librarian, Cindy, Pam, and Sue and her kitty.

5. Bible Study Tools has compiled a list of 40 verses which teach kindness and Bible Reasons has another dozen on being God's unique creation.*

6. Check out these and more Perfect Picture Books at your local library.

Reviewed by Jennifer

Reviewed by Erik

Reviewed by Joanne

Reviewed by Rhythm

Reviewed by Maria

Reviewed by Julie

Have you reviewed a Perfect Picture Book along this theme? Please leave the link in the comments below. Thanks!

Check out all the recommended titles for Perfect Picture Book Friday
for Friday, September 29, 2017 available on Susanna Leonard Hill's blog.

*I do not necessarily endorse the ministry listed, but recommend the content of the link provided.