Perfectly Norman - (Big Bright Feelings) by Tom Percival

About the Book

Book Synopsis

How can you be proud of what makes you unique? From the creator of Ruby Finds a Worry, an empowering picture book about embracing and celebrating what makes you different.

Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until one day, he grew a pair of wings! Wings are pretty great, but he's worried about what people will think, so Norman covers them up with a big coat. It's not always easy to hide such a big thing - in fact, it's very uncomfortable! Can Norman find the courage to be himself?

While we all might feel afraid about standing out sometimes, this uplifting book about daring to be different shows that there's nothing better than celebrating what makes you-you!

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. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.

Read all the books in the Big Bright Feelings series!

Ruby Finds a Worry Ravi's Roar Meesha Makes Friends Tilda Tries Again Milo's Monster Finn's Little Fibs Bea's Bad Day

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 LETTER

About the Author

Tom Percival had an unconventional childhood in a remote and beautiful part of South Shropshire and these formative years are almost certainly what first got him interested in writing and drawing.

Tom is now a writer, artist, video producer and musician. He is the author of many bestselling picture books, including the six titles in his award-winning Big Bright Feelings for Bloomsbury (Perfectly Norman, Ruby's Worry, Ravi's Roar, Meesha Makes Friends, Tilda Tries Again and Milo's Monster). He lives in Gloucestershire with his partner, their two children and a dog called Luna.

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