The most amazing thing by Ian Hayward Robinson and Matt Shanks

What is the most amazing thing? What a great conversation starter before you even open the cover to read the first page.

One rainy, dark day Henry is stuck inside with nothing to do. His family are all occupied. "Sorry. I have to finish this chapter", says his mother when he goes to her first. Her suggestion of drawing 'the most amazing thing' is an interesting one though, so off he goes with a big sheet of paper and some crayons. Too bad he can't think of the singular most amazing thing! Life, says his sister Greta. 'It is so vibrant and exciting'. The mind, says his brother Simon. 'The human mind doesn't just know things. It also knows that it knows things', he says. More confused than ever, Henry asks his mother for help. 'The most amazing thing is you', she says. 'Did you know there is nobody else in the world world exactly like you?'' Finishing on a lovely message regarding the importance of having your own opinion and about the different ways of finding wonder  in the world, this is a classic tale that will work well for all ages. Not only does Henry realise there is not one answer to the question, but he realises that every person in the world is equally special. 

Smatterings of visual humour will add to the engagement level as will the wonderfully warm and comforting illustrations. Outside is dark, cold and dreary, but inside we are treated to the warm glow of Henry's well-lit house, with friendly family members around every corner. 

Themes: Curiosity, Wonder, Humankind.

Nicole Nelson