On a rainy day, stuck inside with his family, Henry looks for something to do. His mum suggests he draws something amazing, but he’s not sure what the most amazing thing is.
So, he asks his sister and his brother and his dad. They all have very clear answers about what they think is the most amazing thing, which all focus on their own special passions.
But Henry isn’t sure. Everything sounds amazing, but what’s the MOST amazing thing?
The Most Amazing Thing is a fun picture book about ideas and wonder. It’s about the different things that grab on to our minds and pull us in different directions. It’s about the incredible things that fill our lives, our planet, and our universe.
This is a good book for curious kids. It will make them think and question. It’s also a good conversation starter because the most amazing thing is subjective. My most amazing thing won’t be the same as yours. And that’s a wonderful and interesting thing.
The illustrations are funky and colourful with pops of bright yellow across the pages and lots of funny images to explore as Henry thinks about whacky concepts. I loved the page layout switches that happen through the book, forcing you to turn the whole book to read the story. It makes you change your perspective (literally), which serves as an effective metaphor for thinking about something from someone else’s point of view, while also delivering ‘wow’ illustrations that engage and delight.
If you’re looking for a story to get your kids thinking, I recommend grabbing a copy of The Most Amazing Thing.
Title: The Most Amazing Thing
Author: Ian Hayward Robinson
Illustrator: Matt Shanks
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $24.99
Publication Date: 27 February 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761180118
For ages: 6 - 8
Type: Picture Books