The Wonder

The Wonder is a story about a little boy who questions and day dreams. As the reader follows him to school the sepia illustrations reflect a rather sombre tone. The reason for this is that on his journey the boy meets various adults who seem to dislike his daydreaming; the park keeper sighs at him when he treads on the grass, the bus driver grumbles because the boy bumps into another passenger and the lollipop lady snaps at him because he is not paying attention when crossing the road. Things do not get better in school and it is only when the art teacher tells him to use his imagination that, 'his day dreams are set free'. The illustrations then take on a spectrum of vibrate colours and show a fantastic magical world. The boy shows his work to the art teacher who tells him, "What an incredible imagination you have". This is an intriguing story which should unlock many children's imagination and would be a very good book to read to children in order to encourage them to use what ever they imagine within their artwork. Picture book / Reviewed by Fiona Collins, consultant

Suggested Reading Age 5+