Isabel feels invisible due to others’ attitudes and personal circumstances.
Isabel lives with her family, who is overstretched and cannot afford what others can. However, they have each other, plenty of love, and an eye for beauty.
Not long after, the family is forced (due to a lack of money) to move from their house to a council estate. The place mirrors exactly how Isabel feels lonely, cold and sad. Little by little, she feels invisible, as many people from the other side of town don’t even notice her. Surprisingly, that helps the little girl notice other invisible people. She decides to help, and many people from the community join in. And what is the outcome?
“The Invisible” is based on Tom Percival’s personal experience. At the end of the book, he shares a heartfelt note and encourages children from disadvantaged families to find strength in their own stories. The story shows that through teamwork, transformation in the community can occur, and young people can make a difference. The illustrations’ colours align with the story’s mood, predominantly in a cold, limited palette that switches to vibrant colours towards the end.
“The Invisible” is where challenges are overcome, and hope and beauty return!
Further Information:
If you loved The Invisible, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
- Tom Percival’s website
- Storytime: The Invisible with Tom Percival:
- ‘The Invisible’ reading and draw-along with author Tom Percival
The Stats:
- Title: The Invisible
- Author and Illustrator: Tom Percival
- ISBN: 978-1-4711-9130-5
- Publication Date: 2021
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Recommended age: 4-8
- Categories/Topic: poverty, families
Where to Find it:
