Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival. PICTURE BOOK. Bloomsbury, 2017. $17. 9781681197852
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
When Norman, who is perfectly normal, grows colorful wings, he is confused and then delighted to try to them out. That is until he realizes he needs to go home to his normal life, even though he is no longer normal. He tries to hide his wings under a jacket until he is so miserable he has to let them show. When he does so, others join him in revealing their wings.
This is a cute story with a good message that just doesn’t land perfectly. It feels kind of confusing why he is hiding his wings in the first place. I like the message that it is okay to be different and our differences can be a blessing, but the story was flat. The illustrations, with strategic pops of color all over, are beautiful.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
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