The Five Misfits

Five misfits - one holey, one folded in half like a concertina, one feeble and sleepy, one upside-down, and one described as a total catastrophe - are perfectly content living in their lopsided house. The five have never amounted to much in life, nor do they feel like doing anything. Then one day the Perfect One arrives, sporting luminous pink pantaloons and fluorescent hair. He informs the happy-go-lucky bunch that their lives are totally worthless. Initially dejected and depressed, each character uses their own special talent to turn the criticism on its head. This is a quirky and allegorical tale, filled with humorous and poignant moments brought to life by contemporary artwork from a multi award-winning picture book creator. The mixed media illustration cleverly reflects each character's personality and can be used to introduce children to different styles. Children and adults alike will find fun in the weird and wonderful characters and may even relate to one or more of the misfits. The subtle and subversive humour may not immediately appeal to every reader, but this book certainly warrants re-reading and discussion so that it may be fully appreciated. Though this picture book may at first seem a little odd, this is in keeping with the moral and message. It promotes inclusion and celebrates individuality with wit and savvy. It is also about finding the positives despite one's flaws. When the Perfect One insists that the misfits must always have 'a purpose, a plan, an idea!', readers are encouraged to consider the benefits and limitations to this. The neon pink endpapers are striking, and could generate interesting comments around why the illustrator has chosen this colour. This picturebook could be read with children in KS1 or KS2; it would be interesting to hear how children of different ages respond to it. Picture book / 40 pages / Ages 5+ / Reviewed by Kerenza Gosh, lecturer.

Suggested Reading Age 5+