Review by Booklist Review
Weaving together Filipino legends and one boy's experience with neurodiversity, this takes its readers on a journey of discovery with young Miro. Spirit-like creatures dubbed Curiosities have become attached to Miro, showing him different ways of moving, being, and understanding. As a result, Miro has magically unique experiences, and he comes to recognize others who also see through their own beautiful lenses. The lyrical tale is complemented by illustrations that swirl around Miro, surrounding him with landscapes and whimsical creatures that mirror his emotion and movement. The Curiosities resemble playful, translucent sprites, which luminously contrast with the tangible world. In her author's note, Fraillon reveals that she found inspiration for this story in her son's experience with Tourette syndrome. Miro's own specific neurodivergence is left vague, and readers with a variety of learning differences will likely find many of his experiences familiar. Readers young and old will be touched by the book's depths and awakened to a less common, yet infinitely human, life experience--not to invoke pity or fear but to conjure understanding, awe, and interconnectedness.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--2--Miro is a dark-skinned child living in a rural village, with the beauty of nature surrounding him. He has an unusual ability: throughout his daily comings and goings, he sees shadowy companions who perch on his shoulders, hiss, gurgle, whisper, and most often guide him, as he navigates his world. But these creatures--the Curiosities--can also overwhelm Miro with their noise, forcing him to grasp at what appears to be a ghostly guiding thread to regain his equilibrium. On one level, any child who has conjured imaginary friends will be able to relate to Miro. However, the story will resonate most deeply with the anxious or neurodiverse child who, like Miro, may have specific challenges and sensitivities, but also some heightened perceptions and understandings. An illustrator's note explains the inspirational cues Lesnie took from Babaylan, or community leaders, in Philippine history, as well as from that country's folklore. The deeply saturated color scenes work hand-in-hand with the text of this original story that conveys wisdom and expresses respect for elders in a style often found in myths, containing truths within comfortable storytelling cover. VERDICT A worthwhile and compelling addition for all collections seeking titles to support parents and teachers of children with anxiety or neurological conditions.--Gloria Koster
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A boy learns to embrace his differences and to shed the darkness. Miro, brown-skinned with dark hair, is surrounded by Curiosities, hazy creatures who show him "how to swim with the stars and tickle the songs from the earth." Sometimes he sits down and puts his hands over his ears when the Curiosities get too noisy. Strangers stare or turn away, unable to see what makes him tick. With the guidance of an elder, Miro learns that his connections to people like him who "see all the oddments and snippets, all those hidden wonders and possibles waiting in the shadows," are what keep him strong. Affirming and uplifting, this poetic story is based on Fraillon's experience with her child who has Tourette syndrome. Drawing from Filipino folklore and history, Lesnie depicts the Curiosities as the ghouls and monsters known as aswang, a visualization of what makes people with Tourette syndrome move, while the elder who helps Miro to his feet is based on the Babaylan, priestesses and community leaders connected to the spiritual world who sometimes exhibited neurodiverse traits. Lesnie's immersive illustrations feature a ravishing palette beautifully depicting the changing colors of the sky and the sweeping landscapes of Miro's waterfront home. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Winning and wondrous, this picture book is a compelling appreciation of neurodiversity. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
