Something Else by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell (Picture Puffin)

Is 'different' good or bad? Do children grow up with an inbuilt sense when something's different or 'normal' and what is normal anyway? So many books have covered this tricky multi-layered subject in many different ways and here's a book that children will more readily identify with, picking out the core theme with ease and clarity.

For a child, introduction to 'different' happens early on, so having books that celebrate, shout "Vive la difference!" is definitely a very good thing.

Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell have conjured up a world filled with fantastical creatures, though one is distinctly different from the others. Normally happy to live life in solitude, little "Something Else" is spurned by his peers whenever he tries to join in.

Then "something" turns up and turns "Something Else's" world upside down. "Something" is a little too different. Can the two find a common ground and perhaps even become friends? It doesn't seem so at first...

Delightful and whimsical, a perfect pairing Kathryn and Chris with Kathryn's cool way with nonsensical words mixing into the story, and Chris's sublime illustrations. We've said it once and we'll say it again, "different is groovy, baby!"


Charlotte's best bit: Aww Charlotte felt very sad for "Something Else" at first as he tried to fit in.

Daddy's Favourite bit: A great little tale with an important core theme, imparted expertly by Kathryn and Chris