We’re All Wonders: moving with an important message. 

(Released: 28th March 2017)

I was very lucky to be sent this by Lauren at Puffin and I was taken completely by surprise! I didn’t even know this book existed. It was such a lovely surprise. Book post is excellent, but surprise book post is one of the best kinds. 

“I know I can’t change the way I look. But maybe, just maybe, people can change the way they see…

Wonder is the unforgettable story of August Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. With over 5 million copies sold, Wonder is a true modern classic, a life-changing read, and has inspired kindness and acceptance in countless readers. Now younger readers can discover the Wonder message with this gorgeous picture book, starring Auggie and his dog Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R.J. Palacio.

With spare, powerful text and richly-imagined illustrations, We’re All Wonders shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world – a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.

We’re All Wonders taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and teachers to talk about empathy, difference and kindness with young children.”

For those of you unfamiliar with Wonder it is an exceptional book which tells the tale of Auggie, a boy with an unusual face. It talks about his struggles in school and the torment that he goes through. It is exceptional. It should be read in EVERY classroom (upper
KS2/KS3 in particular). It has such an important message about how horrible people can be and how strong people can be. I read it a while ago and I was really moved by it and I am so glad that so many teachers are now embracing it and teaching it to their children. 

We Are All Wonders is an exceptional complement to Wonder. It’s a wonderful story about how we are all different but we’re all special, we all matter. In the world today it is more important than ever to teach children the importance of kindness and acceptance. This book is perfect for showing children that they may be different from their friends but we all matter. That sometimes being different is good. We can’t all be the same. Differences are what make us special. Imagine a world where all the people are the same as you?!

This book is beautifully illustrated too. Such simplicity in the beautiful. Throughout the book you’re taken on the journey with Auggie with incredible imagery that will ignite, inspire and interest children of all ages. 

The final page made me tear up a big… I think the message is one which needs to be taught to children all around the world.

“Look with kindness and you will always find wonder”

This book will not only be an excellent accompaniment to Wonder but it could be used as a stand alone for younger children. The message it is spreading is so necessary, so important that I can’t wait to take it into school and read it to as many classes as I can. I’m going to borrow the message from the final page and make it part of my days.

Thank you Penguin and R.J.Palacio for making an important book that I will be recommending to teachers of all ages. Picture books for everyone. 

S x