The Incredibly Busy Mind Of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp
By (Author) Paul Russell
Illustrated by Nicky Johnston
Exisle Publishing
EK Books
7th July 2021
New Zealand
Children
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Positive / good mental health
Childrens / Teenage fiction: School stories
823.92
Short-listed for Forevability Literary Awards 2022 (Australia)
Hardback
32
Width 254mm, Height 241mm
450g
Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when theres a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot, and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently to other children and struggles to fit in. How will he find his place in the world
The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp follows the life of Bowen through school and beyond. At every stage, he finds that he doesnt fit in with his peers, but this eventually becomes his greatest strength. Through thinking differently, he is able to solve problems that no one else could. After all, just because something cant be mended the same as it was, why cant it be mended differently
A very personal story, Bowens tale is sensitively written and full of colourful, lively illustrations. It aims to offer hope to children who havent yet found their place in life by showing them that being normal might just be overrated, and that to find success in life we should be valuing our differences.
Children, carers, teachers and psychologists alike will find inspiration in this tale of embracing diversity and engaging our full potential. It is a vital reminder that the strength and uniqueness of every child should be encouraged to help them find their place in the world and flourish!
The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp is the loveliest picture book by Paul Russell and Nicky Johnston. It sounded good before I had it here to read, but its miles better in every way now that I have read it.
-- Book Witchthinking differently can be a big advantage.
* Sunday Telegraph *creates a safe space in which to probe the concepts of diversity and potential.
* Buzz Words *The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bowen Bartholomew Crisp does a great job of recognising children who see the world differently.
* Blue Wolf Reviews *This is a fantastic resource for parents and teachers to share with children and show that there is more than one way of viewing the world. Seeing the world differently is to be celebrated. For children who think differently like Bowen the book will be reassuring, and for all children it will encourage them to exercise their minds, be inquisitive, and see things from new perspectives. Adults and children will have fun thinking of wild and imaginative answers to Bowens way-out questions.
* NZ Booklovers *I loved the way The Incredibly Busy Mind of Bartholomew Crisp is told in first person. We get to know Bowen and how he thinks. He ponders questions given him seriously, but like any child also wonders about the weird and wonderful world around him.
Beautifully illustrated in coloured pencil, Bowens story is perfect to kick off discussion about differences, empathy, understanding and acceptance of others around you. Gorgeous!
As Bowen grows, he finds that his unique way of understanding the world can be a gift to others.
* Barefoot Mommy *This beautifully rendered story is essential reading for ..all the Bowens out there who can feel empowered, finally, for others to hear their story
* Story Talk Book Peeks *"A picture book about seeing the world differently. The story is a great example of neurodiversity and what different ways of seeing the world can contribute to us all as a society. This is a good book with gentle humour, detailed illustrations, and the invitation for us all to appreciate the details, and think more deeply about questions and issues that surround us. "
* Kids Books NZ *Paul Russellis a primary teacher, artist, playwright and childrens author.He has been in classrooms for over 30 years, and all of his heroes are teachers.He is passionate about childrens literacy and building young appetites for the written word. Nicky Johnstonis an educator, speaker, and author/illustrator of childrens books. She visits schools and presents at workshops and conferences, sharing her journey, promoting emotional resilience and raising awareness of mental health issues.