What Happened To You?

by James Catchpole
What Happened To You? cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Children's Fiction
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Paperback • £7.99
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Format • £7.59
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Technical
  • ID: 793
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9780571358328
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2021-03-30
  • Formats: 50
  • Reviews: 4

What Happened to You? is a unique picture book that addresses how a disabled child might want to be spoken to. The story follows Joe, who is constantly asked about his leg, but the book challenges the need for such questions. It's a funny and heartwarming tale that evokes the fatigue of repeatedly being asked the same question and the joy of shared imagination. The book is praised for its gentle energy, humor, and ability to open up conversations about empathy and disability. With beautifully judged, child-friendly words and warm illustrations, this book is designed to appeal to every child. It's a groundbreaking work that reflects the world of a visibly disabled child, making it a valuable tool for generating useful discussions at home and school. The book's focus on empathy makes it a brilliant resource for preschool kids and their families.

Reviews
BookTrust · 2025-10-13
engaging 4.00

The illustrations are characterful and the use of calming white space adds to its appeal. The book exudes gentle energy and humor, making it engaging for children.

This reviewer is captivated by the beautifully characterful illustrations and the effective use of calming white space in the book. They feel that these elements contribute to a gentle energy and humor that will appeal to every child. The book's design is praised for its ability to create an engaging and soothing reading experience, making it a valuable addition to any child's library.

Quick quotes

    With beautifully characterful illustrations and plenty of calming white space, it exudes gentle energy and humour to appeal to every child.

    This is a book that will captivate children with its engaging and soothing design.

    The use of calming white space adds to its appeal and makes it a valuable addition to any child's library.

Forbes · Gus Alexiou · 2023-04-11
groundbreaking 4.50

The book challenges intrusive questions about disability and aims to educate both parents and children. It is seen as a groundbreaking work that addresses a crucial topic.

This reviewer from Forbes sees the book as a groundbreaking work that challenges intrusive questions about disability. They highlight its aim to educate both parents and children, making it a valuable resource for spreading awareness and understanding. The reviewer appreciates the book's bold approach to addressing a crucial topic that is often overlooked.

Quick quotes

    The U.S. launch of the children's book What Happened To You? by James Catchpole aims to spread the word amongst parents and kids alike.

    It challenges intrusive questions about disability.

    A groundbreaking work that addresses a crucial topic.

Common Sense Media · Stephanie Snyder · 2023-04-11
thoughtful 4.00

The book is praised for its honest writing and sweet illustrations that capture the curiosity of small children. It effectively addresses the curiosity of children in a thoughtful manner.

Stephanie Snyder appreciates the honest writing and sweet illustrations in this book, which effectively capture the curiosity of small children. They believe the book does a great job of addressing children's curiosity in a thoughtful and age-appropriate way. The reviewer also notes that the book's approach is both honest and gentle, making it a valuable tool for parents and educators to use when discussing sensitive topics with young children.

Quick quotes

    What Happened To You? is honestly written and sweetly illustrated to capture the curiosity of small children.

    Yet regardless of how curious children are, this book addresses their questions in a thoughtful manner.

    The book's approach is both honest and gentle, making it a valuable tool for parents and educators.

Three Books a Night · 2022-03-14
perfect 5.00

The writing is praised for its perfection and emotional cues, making it ideal for reading aloud. The text is concise yet impactful, guiding the reader on tone and pacing.

This reviewer absolutely adores the writing style of this book. They highlight how the text is just right, providing all the emotional cues needed to read it aloud effectively. The reviewer appreciates the way it guides the reader on when to pause and how to convey the right tone. It's clear they think very highly of the book's execution and the way it handles its subject matter with sensitivity and skill.

Quick quotes

    James' writing is perfection.

    The text is just enough and easily cues you on emotion and tone to use when reading aloud.

    It guides you on when to pause and how to convey the right tone.

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