Be Normal!

By Author / Illustrator

Ged Adamson

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

Publisher

Nosy Crow

ISBN

9781839948954

Format

Hardback

Published

15-08-2024

Synopsis

Theo can't wait to get his very own dog. But when Geoff arrives, Theo is confused . . . Geoff doesn't play fetch, chase squirrels or do any normal doggy things. He likes painting and making smoothies! When Theo has to introduce Geoff to his friends, he's SO embarrassed. Why can't Geoff be like other dogs?

But maybe, just maybe, Theo will discover that accepting your friends just as they are is MUCH more important than being normal. After all, why be normal . . . when you can be yourself? A funny and touching story about friendship and celebrating individuality.

From talented author-illustrator Ged Adamson, whose previous titles include The Elephant Detectives and Douglas, You Need Glasses. Ged is also part of the hilarious duo behind the This is NOT a . . . series with author Barry Timms.

Find out more in ReadingZone's feature with author and illustrator Ged Adamson

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Reviews

What a lovely story about friendship and valuing our friends for their differences. Be Normal! begins when Theo gets a new dog. He's really excited and has prepared well, but what he's not prepared for is the fact that the dog, Geoff, just isn't like other dogs. Geoff would much rather be making smoothies than chasing sticks in the park and children will find this hilarious!

Theo feels terribly embarrassed by how different his dog is from other dogs, but over time, he begins to value Geoff's differences and to appreciate who Geoff really is. The illustrations in this story really help with a child's understanding of what is happening, and what people are feeling, from Theo's surprise and bemusement when Geoff first arrives, to his growing understanding of who Geoff is.

We have all had times when we want to be just like other people, and for our friends to be likewise, so it's good to have a story where difference is valued. The story packs a real emotional punch too, which will help children in developing empathy for both Geoff and Theo.

Picture book / Reviewed by Elen Green