About the Book, Author and Illustrator
Every family is different. Every family is special. Not every family includes people who look the same but they are still a family. Through a simple narrative by award winning author Patrice Lawrence young readers will understand that mixed race families are just as perfectly unique as any other loving family. Our young reviewer particular enjoyed looking at the bright pictures that accompanied the story, illustrated by Diane Ewen.
Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister – they’re all the best and they all look different.
But people always seem to ask Josie “Is that YOUR mama?”, and soon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed to look the same.
When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a way to help her see what truly matters.
Patrice Lawrence is an award-winning writer. Her debut YA novel, Orangeboy (Hachette), won the Bookseller YA Prize and the Waterstones Prize for Older Children’s Fiction and was shortlisted for the Costa Children’s Book Award.
Diane Ewen was born in Walsall, in the West Midlands. She has always loved art, and graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a B.A. Honours Degree in Illustration.
Book Review
the pictures are very engaging and there is a lot going on visually that takes a child’s interest
Ilaria enjoyed this book and focussed on the story throughout, I think partly because the pictures are very engaging and there is a lot going on visually that takes a child’s interest. Ilaria told me that she particularly liked the dad character and the page where the dad and Josie stick stars onto the globe.
For the adult reading it the way the story is portrayed is really lovely and the message is really clearly communicated. I would recommend this to any family, particularly families with multiple heritages but all families would benefit from reading it.
At 3 years old Ilaria enjoyed the story but I do not think she understood the message completely. This book could be read from 3 up but I feel would be most enjoyed by slightly older readers, possibly from around 6 or 7 years old.
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Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose, we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Ilaria
- Age: 3 years
- Likes: Animals, looking after her bunny rabbits and yoghurt
- Dislikes: Bedtime and having to stop playtime
- Favourite Book: Bunny and Bee's Noisy Night by Sam Williams
- Favourite TV programme: Waffle the Wonder Dog
- Favourite Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
