03/12/2018
When “perfectly normal” Norman grows a pair of brilliant multicolored wings, he does what anyone would do: he tries them out and discovers he loves flying. But he becomes self-conscious of his difference and decides he must keep his wings hidden beneath a heavy coat. The hot, uncomfortable jacket immediately begins to make Norman miserable, keeping him from swimming and playing his favorite games. Finally, it dawns on Norman that it’s the coat that is making him unhappy, not the wings. When his parents (an interracial couple) suggest he take it off, he decides to embrace his extraordinary wings. Percival’s message is emphasized through the canny use of color as a storytelling mechanism: Norman’s world is in greyscale, and, aside from his yellow coat (which can’t fully hide the glow of his uniqueness), Norman also appears in black and white. As the wings come out, Norman and everything he’s near turns technicolor. The story could have ended with Norman’s self-acceptance, but Norman goes on to inspire other children to get rid of their own coats, and, in one glorious colorful spread, they join him in flight. Ages 3–6. Agent: Elinor Cooper, Diamond Kahn and Woods. (May)
"A captivating tale about happiness, being yourself, and the magic of learning to spread your wings and fly." - starred review, Foreword Reviews
"The message of acceptance . . . is presented in a child-appropriate and thoughtful manner." - Booklist
"An ideal selection for storytimes." - School Library Journal
"Percival’s message is emphasized through the canny use of color as a storytelling mechanism: Norman’s world is in greyscale . . . As the wings come out, Norman and everything he’s near turns technicolor." - Publishers Weekly
"The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story's theme. . . . A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance." - Kirkus Reviews
"Percival inserts loads of funny details in his warm-toned, cartoonish illustrations . . . Little ones willing to suspend their disbelief will appreciate this silly forest frolic." - Booklist on HERMAN'S VACATION
"Beautifully illustrated story about the sacrifices and compromises of friendship. The details in the drawings add humor and heart." - School Library Journal on HERMAN'S VACATION
"Filled with amusing details, the dynamic artwork fuels the text with action and humor. . . . This book proves that true friendship endures despite distance and duress." - School Library Journal on HERMAN'S LETTER
"The story’s emotional content will resonate with any child whose friend has moved away, and the cartoon-like journey sequence is entertaining on its own. Colorful and expressive, Percival’s illustrations have plenty of kid appeal . . . This offbeat, gently amusing fantasy is recommended for larger collections." - Booklist on HERMAN'S LETTER
04/01/2018
PreS-Gr 2—Percival celebrates the differences among children to challenge the concept of normal. In digital artwork with hand-painted textures, a brilliantly hued Norman stands out in a black-and-white world. He is "perfectly normal" until he grows wings. He hides them under a coat and in a series of vignettes and full-page layouts, Norman becomes increasingly miserable. His white mother and black father recognize that something is wrong, and Percival's illustrations clearly show they're supportive and caring. It is because of their encouragement that Norman finally reveals his wings and flies, which prompts his friends, who are wearing coats of their own, to throw them off and join him in the sky in a vibrant full-color spread. Bold and varying text size along with punctuation provide clever clues for how to read this to best effect, which makes this an ideal selection for storytimes. The repetition of the word normal provides wonderful opportunities for discussion about the meaning of the word. VERDICT A very discussable title for most picture book collections.—Rachel Zuffa, Racine Public Library, WI
2018-03-04
A boy with wings learns to be himself and inspires others like him to soar, too.Norman, a "perfectly normal" boy, never dreamed he might grow wings. Afraid of what his parents might say, he hides his new wings under a big, stuffy coat. Although the coat hides his wings from the world, Norman no longer finds joy in bathtime, playing at the park, swimming, or birthday parties. With the gentle encouragement of his parents, who see his sadness, Norman finds the courage to come out of hiding and soar. Percival (The Magic Looking Glass, 2017, etc.) depicts Norman with light skin and dark hair. Black-and-white illustrations show his father with dark skin and hair and his mother as white. The contrast of black-and-white illustrations with splashes of bright color complements the story's theme. While Norman tries to be "normal," the world and people around him look black and gray, but his coat stands out in yellow. Birds pop from the page in pink, green, and blue, emphasizing the joy and beauty of flying free. The final spread, full of bright color and multiracial children in flight, sets the mood for Norman's realization on the last page that there is "no such thing as perfectly normal," but he can be "perfectly Norman."A heartwarming story about facing fears and acceptance. (Picture book. 3-5)
