Perfectly Norman (Big Bright Feelings)
by Tom Percival (Author)
From the creator of Ruby Finds a Worry, an empowering picture book about embracing and celebrating what makes you unique.
Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until one day, he grows a pair of wings! Afraid of what people will think, Norman covers them up with a big coat. But can he summon the courage to be himself? While we all might feel afraid about standing out, Perfectly Norman shows that there's nothing better than celebrating what makes you unique!
The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics -- from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends.
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Publishers Weekly
When "perfectly normal" Norman grows a pair of brilliant multicolored wings, he does what anyone would do: he tries them out and discovers he loves flying. But he becomes self-conscious of his difference and decides he must keep his wings hidden beneath a heavy coat. The hot, uncomfortable jacket immediately begins to make Norman miserable, keeping him from swimming and playing his favorite games. Finally, it dawns on Norman that it's the coat that is making him unhappy, not the wings. When his parents (an interracial couple) suggest he take it off, he decides to embrace his extraordinary wings. Percival's message is emphasized through the canny use of color as a storytelling mechanism: Norman's world is in greyscale, and, aside from his yellow coat (which can't fully hide the glow of his uniqueness), Norman also appears in black and white. As the wings come out, Norman and everything he's near turns technicolor. The story could have ended with Norman's self-acceptance, but Norman goes on to inspire other children to get rid of their own coats, and, in one glorious colorful spread, they join him in flight. Ages 3-6. Agent: Elinor Cooper, Diamond Kahn and Woods. (May)
Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2—Percival celebrates the differences among children to challenge the concept of normal. In digital artwork with hand-painted textures, a brilliantly hued Norman stands out in a black-and-white world. He is "perfectly normal" until he grows wings. He hides them under a coat and in a series of vignettes and full-page layouts, Norman becomes increasingly miserable. His white mother and black father recognize that something is wrong, and Percival's illustrations clearly show they're supportive and caring. It is because of their encouragement that Norman finally reveals his wings and flies, which prompts his friends, who are wearing coats of their own, to throw them off and join him in the sky in a vibrant full-color spread. Bold and varying text size along with punctuation provide clever clues for how to read this to best effect, which makes this an ideal selection for story times. The repetition of the word normal provides wonderful opportunities for discussion about the meaning of the word. VERDICT A very discussable title for most picture book collections.—Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
A captivating tale about happiness, being yourself, and the magic of learning to spread your wings and fly. - starred review, Foreword Reviews
The message of acceptance . . . is presented in a child-appropriate and thoughtful manner. - Booklist An ideal selection for storytimes. - School Library Journal Percival's message is emphasized through the canny use of color as a storytelling mechanism: Norman's world is in greyscale . . . As the wings come out, Norman and everything he's near turns technicolor. - Publishers Weekly The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story's theme. . . . A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance. - Kirkus Reviews Percival inserts loads of funny details in his warm-toned, cartoonish illustrations . . . Little ones willing to suspend their disbelief will appreciate this silly forest frolic. - Booklist on HERMAN'S VACATION Beautifully illustrated story about the sacrifices and compromises of friendship. The details in the drawings add humor and heart. - School Library Journal on HERMAN'S VACATION Filled with amusing details, the dynamic artwork fuels the text with action and humor. . . . This book proves that true friendship endures despite distance and duress. - School Library Journal on HERMAN'S LETTER The story's emotional content will resonate with any child whose friend has moved away, and the cartoon-like journey sequence is entertaining on its own. Colorful and expressive, Percival's illustrations have plenty of kid appeal . . . This offbeat, gently amusing fantasy is recommended for larger collections. - Booklist on HERMAN'S LETTERTom Percival is the author and illustrator of the Big Bright Feelings picture books -- including Ruby Finds a Worry, Ravi's Roar, Perfectly Norman, and Tilda Tries Again -- in addition to Herman's Letter, Herman's Vacation, and Bubble Trouble. He is also the author of Goat's Coat. He writes and illustrates in his native United Kingdom where he lives in a town called Stroud with his family.
tom-percival.com
JUV051000 - Juvenile Fiction | Imagination & Play
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Self-acceptance
Wings
