Title: A Little Bit Different
Author: Claire Alexander
Illustrator: Claire Alexander
The Story:
This is the story of a ploofer who is a little bit different to all the other ploofers. Ploofers (I love this word and I’m going to use it as many times as possible in this review!) look like… well, little grey blobs best described by the word “ploofer”! The ploofers are all lined up and practising a synchronised “ploof”. Except one little ploofer goes… shoof! When the other ploofers all turn their backs on him, will he be able to find anyone who will embrace his uniqueness and help the others see the beauty in accepting everyone for who they are?
Favourite Spread:
This book starts with all the ploofers lined up, practising, all looking fairly similar. But then…
SHOOF! I love how Claire has used colour to bring across the message of difference. There is something so magical about the simple and elegant way Claire has been able to portray such a complex and important issue.
(My favourite spread was actually the last, but I won’t put a spoiler here, you’ll have to read it for yourself!)
The Verdict:
Like its title, this picture book is a little bit different, but in a very good way! Claire is a wonderful picture book author and illustrator, but what I particularly love about this story, is that by using minimal words and repeated imagery in the illustrations, Claire has produced a poignant and powerful message of friendship, hope and acceptance, that will resonate with very young children. There are lots of lovely picture books out there on this important topic, but this one in particular can reach the younger end of the picture book market, which I think is wonderful. Ploofer, ploofer, ploofer!
Publisher: Words & Pictures, Quarto Kids
Publication date: 17 September 2019
ISBN: 978-0711245464
I am very grateful to the publisher for letting me read this book via Net Galley. This voluntary review contains my honest opinion.
Picture Book Perfect 
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