The Curiosities
by Zana Fraillon Fraillon (Author) Phil Lesnie (Illustrator)
"Winning and wondrous, this picture book is a compelling appreciation of neurodiversity."--Kirkus (Starred Review)
A lyrical and moving celebration of neurodiversity and self-discovery, from the award-winning author of The Bone Sparrow.
With the Curiosities, a whole world of wonder awaits...
One morning, at dawn, the Curiosities choose Miro to nest on. At first, he doesn't notice. They blend in, perching on his shoulder and nuzzling into his hair. Over time, Miro discovers that he sees and feels things differently than everyone else around him.
The Curiosities show Miro an extraordinary world. He weaves clouds to make stories for the wind, and marvels at the wonders waiting in the shadows where no one else looks. Sometimes, though, the Curiosities make Miro feel lost and alone: they shriek and roar, and are so bright and overwhelming that he feels invisible.
But perhaps Miro isn't as alone as he thinks... and maybe the Curiosities have chosen other people as well.
This gentle, heart-touching story from award-winning children's book author Zana Fraillon is a nuanced portrait of emotions, self-expression, and empathy. Complete with Phil Lesnie's gorgeous art that draws on legends from his Filipino heritage, The Curiosities celebrates the varied perspectives that come with being neurodivergent and contains the triumphant reminder that those who see and experience the world differently have always been here.
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Gr 1-2--Miro is a dark-skinned child living in a rural village, with the beauty of nature surrounding him. He has an unusual ability: throughout his daily comings and goings, he sees shadowy companions who perch on his shoulders, hiss, gurgle, whisper, and most often guide him, as he navigates his world. But these creatures--the Curiosities--can also overwhelm Miro with their noise, forcing him to grasp at what appears to be a ghostly guiding thread to regain his equilibrium. On one level, any child who has conjured imaginary friends will be able to relate to Miro. However, the story will resonate most deeply with the anxious or neurodiverse child who, like Miro, may have specific challenges and sensitivities, but also some heightened perceptions and understandings. An illustrator's note explains the inspirational cues Lesnie took from Babaylan, or community leaders, in Philippine history, as well as from that country's folklore. The deeply saturated color scenes work hand-in-hand with the text of this original story that conveys wisdom and expresses respect for elders in a style often found in myths, containing truths within comfortable storytelling cover. VERDICT A worthwhile and compelling addition for all collections seeking titles to support parents and teachers of children with anxiety or neurological conditions.--Gloria Koster
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
This absorbing picture book gives substance to a child's neurodiversity....set in an Indigenous Philippine community, the story is magical.....For ages 5-9, especially caregivers who want to honor neurodiversity as part of the spectrum of being human. It would work as a read aloud or as bibliotherapy.
—Youth Services Book Review
Zana Fraillon was born in Melbourne, but spent her early childhood in San Francisco. Zana spent a year in China teaching English and now lives in Melbourne with her three children, husband and two dogs. When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across Melbourne. Zana has won and been shortlisted for some of the most prestigious prizes in children's literature: Her 2016 novel The Bone Sparrow won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children, the Readings Young Adult Book Prize and the Amnesty CILIP Honour. It was also shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, the Gold Inky and the CILIP Carnegie Medal, as well as the Australian Prime Minister's Literary Awards, and the Queensland Literary Awards.
Phil Lesnie is a Sydney-based illustrator of children's books. He is also a children's bookseller. It is entirely possible that he hasn't read a title written for adults since he became one. He works primarily in watercolour, because in a watercolour painting even mistakes look lovely. He is the illustrator of Feathers, which was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards in 2018. His first three books were CBCA Notable books in 2015, 2016 and 2018. But his first cat, Cassidy, is notable all of the time.
JUV039140 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
JUV039150 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Special Needs
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
Boys
Spirits
Neurodiversity
