  | Curiosities Author: Fraillon, Zana | |
| Price: $23.76 | ||
Summary:
Miro wakes one morning to find the world isn't quite the way he thought it was. When the Curiosities choose Miro as the one they nest on, Miro is led to discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no one else looks. Sometimes though, the Curiosities can make Miro feel alone and invisible in the darkness. But perhaps Miro isn't as alone as he thinks.
| Illustrator: | Lesnie, Phil |
Reviews:
School Library Journal (+) (00/07/22)
Booklist (05/15/22)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/01/2022 Gr 1–2—Miro is a dark-skinned child living in a rural village, with the beauty of nature surrounding him. He has an unusual ability: throughout his daily comings and goings, he sees shadowy companions who perch on his shoulders, hiss, gurgle, whisper, and most often guide him, as he navigates his world. But these creatures—the Curiosities—can also overwhelm Miro with their noise, forcing him to grasp at what appears to be a ghostly guiding thread to regain his equilibrium. On one level, any child who has conjured imaginary friends will be able to relate to Miro. However, the story will resonate most deeply with the anxious or neurodiverse child who, like Miro, may have specific challenges and sensitivities, but also some heightened perceptions and understandings. An illustrator's note explains the inspirational cues Lesnie took from Babaylan, or community leaders, in Philippine history, as well as from that country's folklore. The deeply saturated color scenes work hand-in-hand with the text of this original story that conveys wisdom and expresses respect for elders in a style often found in myths, containing truths within comfortable storytelling cover. VERDICT A worthwhile and compelling addition for all collections seeking titles to support parents and teachers of children with anxiety or neurological conditions.—Gloria Koster - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 05/15/2022 Weaving together Filipino legends and one boy’s experience with neurodiversity, this takes its readers on a journey of discovery with young Miro. Spirit-like creatures dubbed Curiosities have become attached to Miro, showing him different ways of moving, being, and understanding. As a result, Miro has magically unique experiences, and he comes to recognize others who also see through their own beautiful lenses. The lyrical tale is complemented by illustrations that swirl around Miro, surrounding him with landscapes and whimsical creatures that mirror his emotion and movement. The Curiosities resemble playful, translucent sprites, which luminously contrast with the tangible world. In her author’s note, Fraillon reveals that she found inspiration for this story in her son’s experience with Tourette syndrome. Miro’s own specific neurodivergence is left vague, and readers with a variety of learning differences will likely find many of his experiences familiar. Readers young and old will be touched by the book’s depths and awakened to a less common, yet infinitely human, life experience—not to invoke pity or fear but to conjure understanding, awe, and interconnectedness. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
