Perfect by Nicola Davies and Cathy Fisher (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

The colours are a few shades darker than this looks online

 July 2018, Graffeg Books, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Graffeg Books

Perfect is a story of anticipation, disappointment, acceptance and, ultimately, love. Written by award-winning children’s author Nicola Davies, it tells the story of a young boy learning to accept his baby sister as being perfect in every way in spite of her disability. Suffused with natural imagery, Perfect is an ideal way to open up the subject of disability with children, as well as being a great story in its own right. Beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher, Perfect is a truly remarkable book guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat.
 

Nayu's thoughts

A new baby is always exciting, both for the parents and any siblings. However not every baby is born healthy, which can be a surprise to all involved. Perfect focuses on the view of a son who was excited but on discovering that their little sister isn't completely healthy goes into shock on having their plans dashed. The boy ignores his sister completely, refusing to look at her, talk about her, and be with her. He enjoys the swifts who fly around his house and who are a key feature on the pages. He understandably wants to fly away with them to a world where either his sister doesn't exist or she is healthy.

It must have been hard for his parents to see him so indifferent and upset; it is possible they knew beforehand that their daughter was sick. It never says what she is ill with which I feel is good because it means readers can feel more connected with a disabled sibling. All is not lost because the boy finds a not quite normal (yes I hate using the word but I couldn't think of another so please forgive me for that) swift in his garden who he feels needs help to get back in the air. He helps it from the top room of the house which happens to be his sister's. Once he watches it fly away he then connects the dots and realises his sister needs help just like the swift, and he bonds with her at last.

The story is moving in it's own way and it is echoed by the muted colour illustrations that get darker and less colourful as the boy's feelings change. Using what I think is watercolours matches the tone of the story, and makes it easy to visualise the chaotic disappointment of the boy. The high level of detail creates a life-like image of both birds and humans which make it relatable. On the most important pages the eye is drawn to the single image with detail, on the others there is lots of detail on both pages. I feel this is a brilliant read for anyone getting a new sibling who isn't 100% healthy, but are perfect in their own way. All obstacles can be overcome with patience and time.

Find out more on Nicola's website.

Suggested read 

To look at the world from a different view from a child who is deaf check out Reena's Rainbow by Dee White and Tracie Grimwood (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)