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 about author and illustrator Ged Adamson

Author and illustrator Ged Adamson tells us more about Be Normal:

"Be Normal! is about a dog (Geoff Thorndike) who arrives at a boy called Theo's house and proceeds to confound all Theo's expectations about what a 'normal' dog should do. The boy's growing disappointment is fuelled by embarrassment - why can't Geoff just be 'normal'? After a meeting with his friends in the park not going at all as he expects, Theo finally realises it's wrong to force pre-conceived notions of what you think is the 'correct' way to behave onto others.

"I imagined what it would be like to have a dog who didn't behave like a dog. In an early version of the story, Geoff arrives and points out to Theo that one of the bulbs in the kitchen ceiling has died. He then admires the garden shed. I always try and make myself laugh.

"Be Normal started as a humorous thing - and still is hopefully - but then the idea expanded into the question of what exactly is 'normal'? Are any of us normal? It's also about the stress and isolation of feeling you don't know the 'rules' of everyday social interaction. Hopefully lots of readers will identify with Geoff!

"If I could spend some time with Geoff, I think he'd likd go go mudlarking. This involves going to the side of a river - the Thames in my case - when the tide is low and searching among the mud and stones for old, interesting things. I may have to carry him in some areas because I know he doesn't enjoy getting too dirty! Then we'd go home and I'd ask him to make one of his lovely smoothies for us both."

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Reviews

Louise

Be Normal by Ged Adamson is a lovely tale of acceptance. Theo is so excited about getting his very own dog. But when Geoff arrives Theo is somewhat confused as Geoff does none of the things normal dogs do. Geoff likes to paint, chat to the next doors cat and even sit on a deck chair.

This book challenges the 'norm' and invites us to embrace individuality. Young children will relate to this book with a good deal of fun and humour. It explores our pre-conceived ideas of what is expected and instead teaches us to celebrate difference in all its many forms. A super book to start any PSHE session in a Key Stage 1 class.

Picture book / Reviewed by Louise Gahan, teacher

Cathy

I loved meeting Geoff the less than ordinary dog in Ged Adamson's Be Normal!, a wonderful story about friendship and difference, all wrapped up in a heartwarming story about a new dog who isn't quite what his young owner expected.

When Theo gets a new dog, he's thrilled, but when the dog arrives, he isn't like other dogs - he doesn't like fetching sticks or running around; he wants to stay at home and make smoothies! Theo reacts how most of us would - he's embarrassed that his dog isn't like other dogs, and children will understand Theo's anxiety about being seen to be different.

However, they will also be delighted when Theo learns to accept and enjoy Geoff for who he is, and this carries such a positive message about valuing people for who they are. With many moments of humour as well as kindness and making the right choices, Be Normal! is a story that will entertain young children, as well as delivering a hugely valuable lesson about friendship and accepting and enjoying our differences.

Picture book / Reviewed by Cathy Tomlins

Elen

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