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Author: Catchpole, James, George, Karen

Reading age: from c 3 years

Published on 1 April 2021 by FABER & FABER in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 32 pages
249 x 250 x 7 | 218g

The first ever picture book addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to.

What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off?Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer?A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.

‘A revolutionary book on disability.’ Inclusive Storytime’Catchpole’s beautifully judged, child-friendly words ably evoke the fatigue and wariness of repeatedly being asked the same question rather than simply being accepted and allowed to play, while George’s warm images amplify the delight of shared imagination.’ The Guardian’Wonderful, delightful and important. […] Not only will it help nondisabled adults and children understand what it is like to be singled out for being different, but it will empower disabled children and help them realise they don’t have to justify themselves to people they don’t know.’ Jen Campbell, bestselling author of Franklin’s Flying Bookshop’With beautifully characterful illustrations and plenty of calming white space, it exudes gentle energy and humour to appeal to every child. This is a stunningly clever book.’ BookTrust’The beauty of What Happened to You? is its focus on empathy… a brilliant book to open up the conversation with pre-school kids.’ Disability Arts Online’A groundbreaking picture book reflecting the world of a visibly disabled child… a funny and very enjoyable read that will nevertheless perform an urgently needed task and generate very useful discussion at home and school.’ LoveReading4Kids