This back-to-school season, individuality is in! Nothing makes a splash like being uniquely yourself—and celebrating what makes you different.
From acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, with art from exciting newcomer Magenta Fox, comes a powerful picture book debut!
"[A] delightful tale for little oddballs everywhere."—Entertainment Weekly
Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit—and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.
The Surprise is an endearing story about the quiet power of being different by New York Times bestselling author Zadie Smith and award-winning writer Nick Laird, and introduces an exciting debut illustrator, Magenta Fox. Together they have created a picture book that adults and children alike will treasure.
Raves for The Surprise:
"[A] delightful tale for little oddballs everywhere."—Entertainment Weekly
"Adorable and sweet...A fun story of friendship and acceptance."—Kirkus Reviews
"This charming story embraces friendship, self-discovery, and fun. For its relatable message, it would be a good addition to a classroom, library, or school counselor’s anti-bullying picture book collection."—School Library Journal
"The wholesome conversations between Emily and Maud about being different spur Maud’s growth, as she moves from defeated self-doubt to joyful confidence, giving the hopeful message that 'life’s too short not to be an oddball.'"—BCCB
This back-to-school season, individuality is in! Nothing makes a splash like being uniquely yourself—and celebrating what makes you different.
From acclaimed authors Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, with art from exciting newcomer Magenta Fox, comes a powerful picture book debut!
"[A] delightful tale for little oddballs everywhere."—Entertainment Weekly
Meet Maud: a guinea pig who inexplicably wears a judo suit—and not everyone understands or approves. When Maud is thrown into a new and confusing situation, it takes brave decisions and serendipitous encounters for her to find her place and embrace her individuality.
The Surprise is an endearing story about the quiet power of being different by New York Times bestselling author Zadie Smith and award-winning writer Nick Laird, and introduces an exciting debut illustrator, Magenta Fox. Together they have created a picture book that adults and children alike will treasure.
Photos
Praise
Raves for The Surprise:
"[A] delightful tale for little oddballs everywhere."—Entertainment Weekly
"Adorable and sweet...A fun story of friendship and acceptance."—Kirkus Reviews
"This charming story embraces friendship, self-discovery, and fun. For its relatable message, it would be a good addition to a classroom, library, or school counselor’s anti-bullying picture book collection."—School Library Journal
"The wholesome conversations between Emily and Maud about being different spur Maud’s growth, as she moves from defeated self-doubt to joyful confidence, giving the hopeful message that 'life’s too short not to be an oddball.'"—BCCB
