You Are Very Special by Su Box and Susie Poole

You Are Very Special by Su Box and Susie Poole
Buy You Are Very Special by Su Box and Susie Poole at Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
Category: For Sharing
Reviewer: Ruth Ng
Summary: A nice book to read together about families, friendships and what makes each of us special.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 12	Date: April 2011
Publisher: Lion Hudson
ISBN: 978-0745963006
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You Are Very Special introduces the idea of individuality, of how we're all different and how we're all special. This isn't really a story as such, but rather a book that invites further discussion. Written in occasionally clunky rhyme, it investigates how everyone is different, all different shapes and sizes. It suggests how miraculous our bodies are, breathing and working through the day and also through the night, even when we're asleep!

My four year old was intrigued by the page on fingerprints (and I rather liked the use of the word 'whorls' - I love unusual words to teach her!) We then spent some time looking at the patterns on our fingers. The book ends up covering quite a lot of different things to talk about. As well as looking at the different things people like to do for fun, it also shows that sometimes we can make mistakes that make our friends sad, and we quickly need to say sorry to make things better.

It's carefully inclusive, allowing for families all being different and also children being both able bodied and disabled. I liked the sweet suggestion at the end of what little ones can do to show that someone is special to them, giving someone a hug, or perhaps making them a picture.

At the end we come to the most special person of all and turning the final page there's a surprise mirror so your little one can see themselves!

I liked the illustrations within the book, especially the children throughout. As I mentioned, I felt that some of the rhymes jarred which was a shame as the ideas being raised are great to talk about with toddlers. The end-page mirror is nothing new, but it does fit in well with the book. Overall, I'd suggest borrowing it first and then buying it if you enjoy it and find it gives you lots to chat about together.

My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.

For more fun with mirrors take a look at Peepo Paw Prints by Smriti Prasadam and Melanie Mitchell or Funny Face by Nicola Smee.

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You can read more book reviews or buy You Are Very Special by Su Box and Susie Poole at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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