Set in the 1970s, Lenny's Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee is the story of a young girl, Lenny, and her brother, Davey, who is diagnosed with a rare form of gigantism. It is the story of Davey’s unending optimism and courage and Lenny’s journey to make sense of everything. It is the story of their mother.
It is also the story of their relationship with the Burrell’s Build-it-at-home Encyclopedia set that they receive in instalments which unleashes their love of beetles, birds and knowledge.
It is a book for everyone. There is real joy and sadness. Foxlee's characterisation is brilliant. Read it after you’ve bought it for your children. I suspect if they enjoyed ‘Wonder’ they might find this book fairly magical too.