Solli Raphael (text) and Olana Janfa (illustrator), 29 Things You Didn’t Know About Me, Pan Macmillan, June 2022, 96 pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760988913
The latest in a new series of junior fiction books that explores and celebrates diversity, 29 Things You Didn’t Know About Me centres on a sleepover between new friends Franco and Lucas. As the Grade Two boys learn more about each other, they discover how much they have in common. Lucas shares things he likes and dislikes, as well as cultural information about Mexico, where his mother and grandparents are from. These elements are woven in naturally, and the theme of diversity is perfectly subtle. Other themes explored include friendship, fears and what makes us unique.
With large font, fun illustrations, and dynamic design, this is a great format for newly independent readers aged 5-8. Much of the story is told in rhyme, so it’s also great for reading aloud. Readers are encouraged to interact with the story by finding out 10 things about a friend, and adding them to the end of the book. The themes explored in 29 Things You Didn’t Know About Me make it a great choice as an educational text, and teaching notes are available on the publisher’s website.
Other books in the Our Stories series are Maku, When Granny Came to Stay and The Very Best Doughnut.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
