One of a Kind

By Neil Packer

WINNER OF THE BOLOGNA RAGAZZI FOR NON-FICTION, THE PREMIO ANDERSEN AND THE CENTO PRIZE.

A witty, magnificently produced exploration of the idea of "sorting" and categories, from the bestselling illustrator of The Silk Roads and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The animal kingdom, modes of transport, musical instruments, art and architectural movements, cloud classification … anything and everything can be sorted into groups! Framed by a charming narrative about a father and son, this is a book about categories; on a journey into town, a boy called Arvo explores the many ways in which we classify the world around us, to charming – and often amusing – effect. One of a Kind marks Neil Packer’s debut as an author-illustrator: with a charming text and breath-taking artwork, this is a book which deserves its title ... a true original by a huge talent.

Categories: Non-Fiction

For readers aged: 7+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Hardback
  • ISBN: 9781406379228
  • Published: 01 Oct 2020
  • Price: £15.00
  •  
  • Size: 370 x 270 mm
  • Pages: 48

More to explore...

  • One-of-a-Kind

More books for age 7+

  • You-Are-History-From-the-Alarm-Clock-to-the-Toilet-the-Amazing-History-of-the-Things-You-Use-Every-Day
  • Curiosity-The-Story-of-a-Mars-Rover
  • Leif-the-Unlucky-Viking-Saga-of-the-Shooting-Star
  • The-Repair-Shop-Craft-Book
  • Adventures-with-a-Yorkshire-Vet-The-Lucky-Foal-and-Other-Animal-Tales

Customer reviews

Reviews

'A magnificent book that is as captivating and witty as it is beautifully illustrated. I loved it.' Peter Frankopan

'It is clearly a great achievement with some incredibly beautiful page design.' Alexis Deacon

'Oh wow, Neil! Oh WOW! It’s wonderful.' Gillian Cross, adapter of the text of The Iliad and The Odyssey

'Wow! This is an out of the box quirky stunner. One of Kind by Neil Packer is a charming story about sorting and classifying the world around but ultimately it’s a story about what makes us...us. The amazing art invites hours of page-gazing. Double Wow!!!' Simon Smith, Primary School Principal

'Recommended for any library. Readers will understand the basics of genealogy through a straightforward narrative.' School Library Journal

'A phenomenal book about categories and understanding. One to pore over, discuss and delight in. Simply fascinating.' Teresa Cremin, professor of Education (Literacy), Open University, Fellow EA, AcSS, and RSA. Co-editor Thinking Skills and Creativity, Trustee and ex-President UK Literacy Association

'This book by Neil Packer is going to be one of the best illustrated works this year. It’s an astonishing piece of design devoted entirely to Taxonomy, and having seen a sneak preview, I can tell you it is really, really beautiful - and very original. (Neil’s representation of art movements through the medium of cats is just genius!)' Jim Kay

'A large and colourful book which beautifully communicates fascinating information, from types of cloud formations, to varieties of apples, names of tools, and constructions of family trees. All designed and illustrated in a playful and engaging way. Part art book part encyclopaedia – a book to lose yourself in.'

'There is a richness in these images that can only come from someone who is passionate about their subject matter. Packer’s passion is everywhere in his picture book.' Karl Andy Foster, Association of Illustrators

'Oh, this might be my favorite book from our most recent arrival of materials! […] A beautiful book with so much to reflect on and to open avenues for further wonder and curiosity.' Dr Shaw Memorial Library

'Many years ago, when I worked at the Boston Museum of Science, I looked in vain for good children’s books on classification. I wish we had had this excellent oversized book to show kids how all kinds of objects in the world are sorted and classified into groups. Readers will want to spend a lot of time with the detailed illustrations on every page.' Janet Dawson, US Blogger

'OK the coolest kids for any age book just arrived. A story of the enormity of life and history and science, our personal worlds, vastness. I want.' The Bookshop at Queenscliff, Australia

'One of a Kind reminds me of all the reasons I love books. It’s beautiful, idiosyncratic, and takes advantage of its “bookiness.”' Susan Harari

'Neil Packer takes children on a fascinating journey through various categories of things with an oversize picture book, “One of a Kind: A Story About Sorting and Classifying” […] It’s a mesmerizing collection of collections for readers ages 6-10.' The Wall Street Journal

Write your own review

By submitting a review you grant us the right to display and use it in any way; please read our General Legal Notices for full details. If you are under 16, please obtain your parent/guardian’s permission before submitting or ask your parent/guardian to submit on your behalf.

Hardback
£15.00

Find your local bookshop:

Buy

  • Awards:

Also available in:

This title isn't currently available in any other formats

Recently viewed