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The Wonder

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The Wonder
by Faye Hanson
Templar Books. Picture Book. 2015.

This is a story about a boy whose head is filled with wonder.

Throughout his day, he uses his imagination to turn a drab reality into an incredible fantasy world -- but the adults in his life stifle him by reprimanding his creative daydreams. After being repeatedly scolded, the boy visits his art class, where the teacher hands him a blank sheet of paper and gives him a single instruction: "just use your imagination." With this freedom to use his creativity, his imagination runs wild, resulting in a work of art that his teacher calls "wonderful."

The Wonder is a celebration of childlike imagination. The lush illustrations provide a contrast between the soft, brown real world and the wild technicolor of the boy's fantasies. Once the boy is given license to use his imagination, the book becomes a series of full-page illustrations, which overflow with gorgeous details. This book is both an affirmation to children and a warning for adults not to suppress their little ones. In any case, both children and their parents will adore this tender, encouraging story.
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