What Happened To You?

What Happened To You? cover
Good Books rating 4.75

Technical:
  • ID: 793
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • ISBN: 9780571358328
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2021-03-30
  • Formats: 36
  • Reviews: 3
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What Happened to You? is a unique picture book that addresses how a disabled child might feel when constantly asked about their disability. The story follows Joe, who is repeatedly questioned about his leg, but the book cleverly shifts the focus to acceptance and imagination. With beautifully judged, child-friendly language and warm illustrations, it evokes the fatigue of repeated questions and the delight of shared imagination. The book is praised for its ability to foster empathy and help nondisabled children understand the perspective of a disabled child, while also empowering disabled children to feel accepted. The book's groundbreaking approach makes it a valuable tool for opening conversations about disability with preschool kids. It reflects the world of a visibly disabled child in a funny and enjoyable way, generating useful discussions at home and school. The illustrations are characterful and the narrative exudes gentle energy and humor, making it appealing to every child.

Reviews
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.

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.

Books Up North · 2021-03-14
insightful 4.75

The book is seen as a gateway to important discussions about disability, offering insight and promoting empathy. It also provides tips for adults on how to handle and anticipate questions.

This reviewer highlights the book's role in fostering important conversations about disability. They appreciate how it offers insight and promotes empathy, making it a valuable tool for both children and adults. The reviewer also notes that the book provides practical tips for grown-ups on how to handle and anticipate questions, showing its comprehensive approach to the subject.


Quick quotes

    It offers insight, promotes empathy, is a gateway to discussion.

    It also gives the grown-ups some tips on how to handle and anticipate those questions.

    It's a brilliant book for disabled children but also for everyone.