Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury Children's Books)

What is normal? What does it mean? When you're a child, that can be one of the toughest questions to answer...
In Tom Percival's sublime "Perfectly Norman" the subject is tackled with originality and sensitivity as we meet Norman, who is a perfectly ordinary everyday kind of kid.

That is, until the day Norman grows an amazing pair of wings.

At first it feels like the most brilliant thing in the world, but what will mum and dad say if Norman comes in sporting freshly sprouted flying appendages?

Norman doesn't take any chances, and decides to keep his coat on - forever! This makes things really tough at school, particularly when a big smelly bully tries to pull his coat off.

But people can be more understanding and accepting than you might think. All it takes is a little bravery to find out that there really can be so many ways to define 'normal' - and why it's sometimes best to trust others to see through things you worry about and just accept you for who you are.

It's a lovely tale this, perfectly huggy and beautiful with a core message that will definitely help kids who have anxieties and concerns of their own to perhaps confront them and feel a lot better about them.

Charlotte's best bit: When Norman reveals his wings to Mum and Dad for the first time.

Daddy's favourite bit: A beautiful core message wonderfully conveyed by Tom, who really is at the top of his game. Gorgeous book this.

(kindly supplied for review)

"Perfectly Norman" by Tom Percival is out now, published by Bloomsbury.