The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams

Dennis' mother has left, and his dad spends a lot of time driving his truck for work. When Dennis discovers a magazine at the market with a woman on the cover who reminds him of his mum he buys it, even though it feels a bit odd to buy a ladies magazine. Looking through the pages he realizes that he likes all the fashion, and when he ends up in detention with Lisa, the most beautiful girl in school, they strike up a friendship around this. He has a crush on Lisa and though reluctant, eventually goes for her plan of trying to pass as a girl foreign exchange student for a day. He's ultimately found out, and his soccer team has to band together in an unexpected way if he's going to be allowed to play in the most important game of the season.

The well developed relationships could be a bit overbearing were it not for Williams' wit in writing. The characters all feel quite genuine, and the a-typical protagonist makes for a fresh story. This book demonstrates the need to stay open minded about others, and yourself. Quentin Blake's illustrations (of Roald Dahl renown) feel right at home in this off beat novel.

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by Scott

The Boys by Jeff Newman

Told entirely through picture, this is a poignant story of a boy who's left out of the other kids games. He finds it easier to fit in with three old men who sit on the bench and watch, rather than get involved. Eventually, the old men decide that just sitting and watching isn't enough. They revert to their childhood antics in order to include the left out child.

Beautifully illustrated in a retro style. The zany pictures would be enough to keep children entertained for viewing on their own. They would likely miss the overall arc of the story, so it's a great opportunity to engage a child in discussion about feeling left out.

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by Scott

T is for Terrible by Peter McCarty

A Tyrannosaurus feels bad that he is so terrible. He can't help stepping on flowers with his big feet, it doesn't work when he tries to eat trees. He just is what he is.

A simple story with beautiful soft illustrations. The Tyrannosaurus is a very sympathetic character, and I really like that the author didn't change his nature to make him fit in. Sometimes you just feel alone, and that others can't understand your differences.
...and maybe being terrible isn't so bad.

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by Scott

My Great Big Mamma by Oliver Ka

A little boy notices that his Mamma has changed. She seems sadder, and doesn't eat the things she likes anymore. When he finds out she's going on a diet he worries that he won't have a soft lap to sit in, or anyone to have fun baking and eating treats in the kitchen with, so he decides to go on a diet too to show his Mamma just how silly it is.

A charming story about self-image, and learning what's most important in life. The rounded images with soft color accentuate the feel of the book nicely.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Scott