Kid Konnection: We're All Wonders

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week I'm going to share with you a new picture book based on a beloved middle grade novel.

Summary: The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, soon to be a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.

Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy.

Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way.

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for families and educators to talk about empathy and kindness with young children. -- Knopf

One of my all-time favorite middle grade books was WONDER by R. J. Palacio. I know I'm not alone! This book won tons of awards and inspired a nationwide movement called Choose Kind. It's   even coming to the big screen in 2017 in a movie starring Owen Wilson, Julia Roberts, and Jacob Tremblay to name a few of the fantastic cast. And last but not least... WONDER is the inspiration behind the new picture book WE'RE ALL WONDERS! How exciting is that?

WE'RE ALL WONDERS is a terrific picture book aimed at ages four to eight which means that you can now share the outstanding messages from WONDER to kids at an earlier age. It's written and illustrated by none other than R. J. Palacio, and it's positively precious. I am almost embarrassed to admit this, but this picture book brought tears to my eyes. It's that special!

WE'RE ALL WONDERS features Auggie and his dog Daisy. As many of you already know, Auggie is a little boy with a very unique face. He knows that he has the same feelings as other kids, and he even does the same activities. However, Auggie looks different and feels insecure as a result. Despite hearing his mother tell him he's a "wonder," Auggie sees how other people stare at him and hears what they say. (And now I'm crying!)

Auggie has his own special way of dealing with the hurt. He puts on his helmet and blasts off into outer space with Daisy. It's from here that Auggie gathers perspective and realizes that there are billions of people in the world. People who are different... just like him. Furthermore, Auggie accepts that he can't change the way he looks, but maybe people can change the way they see him and others. (More tears!)

WE'RE ALL WONDERS is beautiful -- from the story, to the illustrations, to the messages. I love Auggie and his story, and this book makes it simple enough for kids of all ages to understand. Not only does this picture book attempt to show the importance of acceptance and tolerance (which is especially relevant in today's world!), but it also provides comfort to those kids who look or feel different from their peers. It really is pertinent to everyone!

I adore WE'RE ALL WONDERS and can't rave enough about it. This picture book really is one of the best picture books I've ever seen. It's a must-read for all kids and parents, and I know it is a book that can make a difference in kids' lives.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!