Amazing

Amazing is the latest offering from Steve Antony, who is quickly becoming an author who seems to effortlessly create (both writing and illustrating) fantastic books. Amazing centres around a little boy who, from looking at the front cover, we know is already different from his peers. This straight away makes this a text that I am keen to share with children I work with, to allow them to see how diversity is something to celebrate. I also love how this book will be inspirational to those within my school setting who are also living a life where a wheelchair plays a huge part. Throughout the story, the wheelchair is never mentioned and it is just accepted by all. Instead, the story focuses on how the little boy has taught his pet dragon many things: to fly, learn, laugh, sing and snooze. Despite Zibbo being glaringly different from anyone and everyone, the boy still sees him as his best friend and knows that when you have a best friend like that, anything is possible. I love the message this sends out to young children and I will certainly be using this text to discuss making and maintaining friendships in school. Once again, Steve has come up trumps with a book that can be both used to read for pleasure as well as prompt deep discussions between peers. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Kyle Matravers, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 5+