Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare picture books that does exactly what it sets out to do with zero fluff. Palacio took her blockbuster middle-grade novel and distilled it into something preschoolers can understand, which is no small feat.

The genius is in the perspective shift—showing how Auggie sees himself (normal, playful, just a kid) while acknowledging that others might see him differently. The illustrations do the heavy lifting here, and they're lovely. The text is spare enough that it doesn't overwhelm young listeners but meaningful enough that it sticks.

Teachers love it, parents love it, and most importantly, kids get it. The 'Choose Kind' framework has become shorthand in classrooms everywhere, which tells you how well this lands. It's not preachy, it's not scary, and it doesn't shy away from the reality that some kids look different—but it handles all of that with warmth and hope.

If you're looking for a book to help young kids understand empathy, disability, or just being a decent human, this is top-tier. It's also genuinely well-made as a picture book, not just an educational tool dressed up as a story.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4-8, especially as an introduction to empathy and inclusion concepts before kids are ready for the full Wonder novel. Kindergarten and first-grade classrooms use this constantly for social-emotional learning. Older elementary kids might enjoy it as a quick read or nostalgia trip if they've read Wonder.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

98

A picture book adaptation of Wonder that models empathy, kindness, and acceptance in the gentlest possible way. Auggie's story of feeling different but wanting to belong taps into universal childhood emotions without any harsh or scary content. The 'Choose Kind' message is delivered through spare, age-appropriate text that younger kids can absorb. Palacio's illustrations show Auggie's world from his perspective—where he feels ordinary—creating emotional safety while addressing difference.

Imaginative

82

Palacio's debut as illustrator brings visual imagination to Auggie's inner world, showing how he sees himself (as an astronaut, as any other kid) versus how others might see him. The spare text leaves room for interpretation and discussion. While it's not a fantasy adventure, it invites kids to imagine walking in someone else's shoes—literally seeing the world through Auggie's eyes. The concept of transforming a middle-grade novel into a picture book for younger readers shows creative adaptation.

Safe

99

This is as safe as children's books get. No scary content, no surprise trauma, no inappropriate themes. The subject matter (a child with facial differences) is handled with complete gentleness and age-appropriateness. Common Sense Media reviews confirm it's suitable for young children. The only 'difficult' element is explaining physical differences, but that's done in the most reassuring, child-friendly way possible. Perfect for reading aloud without worry.

Enriching

96

This book is basically a masterclass in teaching empathy to young children. It builds emotional intelligence by helping kids understand what it feels like to be different and to want acceptance. The 'Choose Kind' framework gives kids concrete language for talking about inclusion. With 15+ million Wonder fans and widespread classroom use, it's proven effective at starting conversations about disability, difference, and kindness. The 4.8 Amazon rating and consistent praise from educators and parents confirm its impact. It's both meaningful AND accessible for the picture book age range.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Takes the beloved Wonder story and makes it accessible for preschool and early elementary ages—kids who aren't ready for the novel can meet Auggie here
R.J. Palacio's illustrations show Auggie's perspective beautifully: he sees himself as an astronaut, a regular kid, while gently acknowledging that others might see him differently
The 'Choose Kind' message is simple enough for a 4-year-old to grasp but meaningful enough that it sticks—teachers and parents report kids using this language long after reading
Opens up conversations about disability, facial differences, and inclusion in the most age-appropriate, non-scary way possible
Spare text means it works as a read-aloud for younger kids or an early reader for older ones—flexible across the elementary years

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What to Watch For

You'll need to be ready to answer questions about why Auggie looks different—the book handles it gently, but curious kids will ask
Some sensitive kids might feel sad thinking about Auggie being lonely or stared at, though the book's tone is ultimately hopeful and reassuring
It's short and simple, so if you're expecting the depth of the original Wonder novel, this is the picture book version—hits the themes but doesn't dive deep into plot

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Auggie feels when people stare at him? Have you ever felt like people were looking at you and it made you uncomfortable?"
"What does it mean to 'choose kind'? Can you think of a time this week when you could choose to be kind to someone?"
"Auggie has a dog named Daisy who loves him no matter what. Who are the people (or pets!) who make you feel loved just the way you are?"
"If you met someone who looked different from you, what would you want to say or do to make them feel welcome?"

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