The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig, Patrice Barton (Illustrator)

A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton. A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend... Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class. When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource. Includes a discussion guide and resources for further reading. 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Fiction, School, Novels

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 8, 2013

About the author

Trudy Ludwig is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids connect and engage with their peers in kind, caring ways. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents for her passion and compassion in addressing friendship, bullying, and cyberbullying issues at schools and conferences around the country.

An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy collaborates with leading US experts and organizations and has been profiled on national/regional media outlets. She has also served as content advisor for Sesame Workshop's "Good Birds Club" TV episode and as an expert panel member on Sesame Workshop's video series on bullying.

Trudy's books have won the Victoria Soto Legacy Award, NAPPA Gold Award, Mom's Choice Gold Awards, the Moonbeam Children's Books Gold Award and are included in Kids'Indie Next Selection,the Cooperative Children's Book Center's Best of the Year Selection,and NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People Selection. the Junior Library Guild Selection, the School Library Journal Best Picture Books Selection, and more.

For more information or to book Trudy for a speaking engagement, visit www.trudyludwig.com

Reviews

[Mischenko]

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a story about Brian, a boy who seems to go unnoticeable by anyone in his class. Something's about to change in his classroom, and Brian finds a way to stand out. It's a great story with very artsy illustrations and a wonderful message.

This is an excellent book that I'd recommend for any elementary classroom. It's great for parents and teachers.

4****

[Maryam.Bhr]

Each book I read offers a new perspective. In this post, I share my thoughts on this book in Persian and English. I hope this will be enjoyable for you :)


هر کتابی که می خوانم دریچه ای به دنیایی جدید است. تو این نوشته دیدگاه و تجربه ام از مطالعه ی این کتاب رو به دو زبان فارسی و انگلیسی با شما به اشتراک می ذارم امیدوارم خوندنش براتون لذتبخش باشه :)

Persian (فارسی)


مدرسه، مخصوصاً در سال‌های اول، یکی از مهم‌ترین نهادهای اجتماعی است؛ جایی که بچه‌ها اولین تجربه‌های جمعی‌شان را می‌سازند، مهارت‌های اجتماعی را یاد می‌گیرند، و کم‌کم می‌فهمند حضور در یک گروه یعنی چه؛ اما همین جایی که قرار است محل یادگیری ارتباط باشد، می‌تواند به‌سادگی تبدیل شود به جایی که یک کودک احساس کم‌رنگ شدن کند؛ جایی که دیده‌نشدن آرام‌آرام تبدیل به یک تجربهٔ واقعی می‌شود. این همان لحظه‌ای است که پسر نامرئی به آن نزدیک می‌شود؛ لحظه‌ای که در آن مدرسه هم فرصت است، هم چالش، هم محل یادگیری، هم محل اولین تکان های کوچک احساسی

فرهنگ توجه و صداهای بلند 🔉

در بسیاری از فرهنگ‌ها، توجه اجتماعی معمولاً سمت چیزهای پرسر‌وصدا می‌رود؛ الگوی مشترکی که باعث می‌شود «حضور داشتن» اغلب با بلند بودن تعریف شود و «فعال بودن» با جلب توجه یکی دانسته شود. در چنین فضاهایی، «اجتماعی بودن» خیلی وقت‌ها با برون‌گرایی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود، و همین باعث می‌شود بچه‌های آرام، کم‌صدا یا درون‌گرا خیلی راحت کم‌رنگ شوند— این تجربه فقط محدود به یک کشور، محل یا منطقه ی خاصی نیست؛ در مدرسه‌های ژاپن، ایران، آمریکا، فرانسه، هند، برزیل… همه‌جا دیده می‌شود، و همین گستردگی نشان می‌دهد که این یک مسئلهٔ انسانی است، نه فرهنگیِ خاص. این نگاه اگرچه رایج است اما برداشت درستی از حضور آرام بچه ها نیست.


هویت کودک و برداشت های احساسی او از دیده نشدن 🫧

بچه‌ها در سن کم هنوز در مرحلهٔ ساختن تصویر از خود هستند، و هر برخورد، هر بی‌توجهی، هر دیده‌نشدن، می‌تواند مستقیم بر این تصویر اثر بگذارد. چون ابزارهای شناختی و هیجانی‌شان هنوز کامل نیست، برداشت‌هایشان بیشتر احساسی است تا تحلیلی؛ برداشت‌هایی که از محیط می‌آیند، نه از شناختِ خود. در چنین فضایی، بچه‌ها ممکن است خیلی راحت فکر کنند «من کافی نیستم»، «من دوست‌داشتنی نیستم»، یا «من جالب نیستم»—چون هنوز نمی‌توانند دیده‌نشدن را از ارزش خود جدا کنند.
مدرسه یکی از اولین جاهایی است که این بازخوردها را به‌صورت اجتماعی دریافت می‌کنند، و همین باعث می‌شود هر کم‌رنگ شدن و هر نادیده‌گرفتن تبدیل شود به یک برداشت درونی دربارهٔ خود. در فرهنگ‌هایی که توجه سمت صداهای بلند می‌رود، بچه‌های آرام بیشتر در معرض این برداشت‌های اشتباه‌اند. اما این برداشت، هرچقدر هم رایج باشد بازتابِ حقیقت نیست؛ فقط بازتابِ محدودیت‌های محیط است، نه ارزش کودک.

برایان: حضور آرام، تخیل و مهربانی 💫

برایان هستهٔ مرکزی کتاب است؛ نقطه‌ای که معنای قصه از آن عبور می‌کند. او از آن کودک‌هایی است که آرام بودنشان به‌جای اینکه به فکرهای منفی تبدیل شود، به تخیل راه پیدا می‌کند. حضورش کم‌صداست، اما کم‌ارزش نیست؛ مهربانی‌اش بی‌ادعاست، اما اثرگذار.
وقتی جاستین در کلاس مورد بی‌توجهی یا اذیت قرار می‌گیرد، برایان به روش آرام خودش به او نزدیک می‌شود؛ نه با صداهای بلند، بلکه با یک توجه کوچک، یک مهربانی ساده. همین رفتار، محور معنایی کتاب را روشن می‌کند: اینکه حضور آرام می‌تواند فعال باشد، مهربان باشد، و اثر بگذارد حتی اگر در سیستم توجهِ بلند دیده نشود.
برایان یادآوری می‌کند که دیده‌شدن همیشه با بلند بودن یکی نیست؛ گاهی یک کودک آرام، با یک حرکت کوچک، مسیر یک رابطه را تغییر می‌دهد.

لایه‌های زیبای روایت ❤️

کتاب با یک روایت ساده، تجربه‌ای چندلایه می‌سازد؛ لایه‌ای احساسی برای بچه‌ها، لایه‌ای تربیتی برای والدین و معلم‌ها و مراقبین کودک، و لایه‌ای انسانی برای هر کسی که تجربهٔ کم‌رنگ شدن را می‌شناسد. تصویرگری‌ها دقیقاً در خدمت همین لایه‌ها هستند: تغییر تدریجی رنگ‌ها و شدت حضور برایان، به آرامی مسیر احساسات را نشان داده و اجازه می‌دهد خواننده بدون توضیح مستقیم، تغییرات درونی او را حس کند.
کتاب در نشان دادن لحظه‌های کوچک مهربانی موفق است؛ لحظه‌هایی که نه نمایشی‌اند، نه بزرگ، اما اثر می‌گذارند. این توجه‌های کوچک، هستهٔ احساسی کتاب را می‌سازند و یادآوری می‌کنند که تغییر همیشه از یک حرکت کوچک شروع می‌شود. روایت کتاب هم بی‌ادعاست؛ هیچ‌چیز را بزرگ‌نمایی نمی‌کند، هیچ‌چیز را دراماتیک نمی‌کند، و همین سادگی باعث می‌شود تجربهٔ دیده‌نشدن و دیده‌شدن در یکی از طبیعی‌ترین شکلش خودش را نشان دهد.

ترجمهٔ فارسی 📥

در کنار نسخهٔ اصلی کتاب، نسخهٔ فارسی را هم خواندم تا ببینم این ظرافتِ احساسیِ روایت چطور در زبان دیگری منتقل شده. ترجمه فضای درونی کتاب را حفظ می‌کند و اجازه می‌دهد تصویرگری‌ها همان نقشی را داشته باشند که در نسخهٔ اصلی دارند.
مقایسهٔ دو نسخه کمک کرد بفهمم کدام بخش‌ها از جنس تصویرگری‌اند، کدام از جنس زبان، و کدام از جنس تجربهٔ انسانی؛ اینکه کدام حس از دل کلمه می‌آید و کدام از دل رنگ. نسخهٔ فارسی، با لحن ساده و بی‌ادعایش، این انتقال را آرام و بی‌صدا انجام می‌دهد و جهان کتاب را برای خوانندهٔ فارسی‌زبان قابل لمس نگه می‌دارد.

آنچه از کتاب با من ماند و یک نگاه شخصی 🌿

من اصولاً اهل این سؤال‌ها نیستم که بپرسند بهترین کتاب یا بهترین داستانی که خوانده‌ام چیست؛ همیشه فکر می‌کنم وقتی آدم این‌همه دیده و خوانده، چطور می‌تواند یکی را انتخاب کند؟ انگار بخواهی از میان بچه‌هایت یکی را برگزینی. با این‌همه، پسر نامرئی برای من از آن کتاب‌هایی است که در ذهن می‌ماند و نمی‌شود از کنارش ساده گذشت.
به‌جرئت می‌توانم بگویم این یکی از بهترین کتاب‌های کودک و نوجوانی است که خوانده‌ام؛ کتابی که دوست دارم به زبان‌های بیشتری ترجمه شود و توجه بیشتری بگیرد، چون چالشی که به آن پرداخته، چالشی فراگیر و رایج است—چیزی که خیلی از بچه‌ها تجربه‌اش می‌کنند و خیلی از بزرگ‌ترها نادیده‌اش می‌گیرند.
این قصه آرام است، کم‌صداست، اما اثرش بلند می‌ماند؛ از همان‌هایی که دوست داری بیشتر دیده شود، بیشتر خوانده شود، و بیشتر درباره‌اش حرف زده شود.


English (انگلیسی)

School—especially in the early years—is one of the most important social spaces children enter. It’s where they build their first collective experiences, learn social skills, and slowly understand what it means to be part of a group. But the very place meant to teach connection can easily become a space where a child begins to feel faded out; where not being seen quietly turns into a real experience. The Invisible Boy approaches exactly this moment—the moment when school is both an opportunity and a challenge, both a place of learning and a place of those first small emotional shifts.

A culture of attention and loud voices 🔉

In many cultures, social attention tends to gravitate toward loudness—toward whatever makes noise or draws focus. “Being present” is often equated with being loud, and “being active” with attracting attention. In such environments, “being social” is frequently mistaken for extroversion, and children who are quiet, soft-spoken, or introverted can easily become overlooked.
This experience isn’t limited to one country or region; it appears in schools in Japan, Iran, the United States, France, India, Brazil… everywhere. Its universality shows that this is a human issue, not a cultural one. And although this way of seeing is common, it’s not an accurate understanding of quiet presence.


A child’s identity and the emotional reading of being unseen 🫧

Young children are still forming their sense of self, and every interaction—every moment of attention or inattention—can directly shape that image. Because their cognitive and emotional tools are still developing, their interpretations are more emotional than analytical; shaped by the environment rather than by self-knowledge.
In such a space, children may easily think: “I’m not enough,” “I’m not likable,” or “I’m not interesting”—because they cannot yet separate being unseen from their own worth. School is one of the first places where these social reflections reach them, and this makes every fading-out or moment of being overlooked feel like an internal truth. In cultures where attention leans toward loudness, quiet children are more vulnerable to these mistaken interpretations. But these interpretations, however common, are not reflections of reality—only reflections of the environment’s limitations, not the child’s value.

Brian: quiet presence, imagination and kindness 💫

Brian is the emotional center of the book—the point through which the story’s meaning flows. He is one of those children whose quietness doesn’t turn into negative thoughts but instead finds its way into imagination. His presence is soft, but not small; his kindness is understated, but deeply effective.
When Justin faces teasing or indifference in class, Brian approaches him in his own quiet way—not with loud gestures, but with a small act of attention, a simple kindness. This behavior reveals the book’s core message: quiet presence can be active, warm, and impactful, even if it isn’t recognized within a system that rewards loudness.
Brian reminds us that being seen is not the same as being loud; sometimes a quiet child, with one small gesture, can change the direction of a relationship.Layers of a gentle narrativeThe book uses a simple narrative to build a multi-layered experience: an emotional layer for children, a developmental layer for parents and teachers, and a human layer for anyone who has ever felt faded out. The illustrations serve these layers precisely: the gradual shift in colors and Brian’s changing visibility gently trace the emotional path and allow the reader to feel his inner changes without direct explanation.
The book succeeds in portraying small moments of kindness—moments that are neither dramatic nor grand, yet deeply impactful. These small attentions form the emotional core of the story and remind us that change often begins with a single, quiet gesture. The narrative itself is unpretentious; it avoids exaggeration and avoids drama, and this simplicity allows the experience of being unseen—and being seen—to appear in its most natural form.

Layers of a gentle narrative ❤️

The book uses a simple narrative to build a multi-layered experience: an emotional layer for children, a developmental layer for parents and teachers, and a human layer for anyone who has ever felt faded out. The illustrations serve these layers precisely: the gradual shift in colors and Brian’s changing visibility gently trace the emotional path and allow the reader to feel his inner changes without direct explanation.
The book succeeds in portraying small moments of kindness—moments that are neither dramatic nor grand, yet deeply impactful. These small attentions form the emotional core of the story
and remind us that change often begins with a single, quiet gesture. The narrative itself is unpretentious; it avoids exaggeration and avoids drama, and this simplicity allows the experience of being unseen—and being seen—to appear in its most natural form.

What stayed with me 🌿

I’m not usually someone who answers questions like “What’s the best book you’ve ever read?” or “What’s your favorite story?” When you’ve read and seen so much, how can you choose just one? It feels like being asked to choose among your own children.
But even so, The Invisible Boy is one of the finest children’s books I’ve read—one I genuinely hope will be translated into more languages and receive more attention, because the challenge it addresses is widespread and deeply familiar. Many children experience it; many adults overlook it.
This story is quiet, soft-spoken, but its impact stays loud. It’s one of those books you want to see read more, noticed more, and talked about more.

[Laura]

Have you ever felt left out? Alone in a roomful of people?

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig introduces us to Brian. A sweet-hearted boy who feels invisible. In a class room swimming with kids, how does a quiet boy more apt to communicate with drawings and art stand out, find friends, and not get lost in the hustle, bustle and noise?

One act. One chance. One word can change everything. Brian reaches out with kindness to Justin, the new kid in class. Just leaving a note saying “Hi” in his own special way opens up Brian’s world. Someone sees him.

Patrice Barton’s soft colors and pictures bring such a light, gentle glow to the story. Every pink cheek, ponytail, and freckle came to life on the page with warmth and tenderness. Beautiful pictures that illustrated Brian’s feelings and changes perfectly. My heart broke and “aww”-ed all over the place. :)

This little boy and book stole my heart! I want to recommend it to everyone under the sun! A very special reading experience and life lesson. Don't disappear! Let people see you.

A lesson I took to heart.

[Dream.M]

پسر نامرئی، کتاب کودکی عه که میتونم ازش بعنوان نمونه کامل و آرمانی یک کتاب کودک ذهن‌آگاهی و تربیتی اسم ببرم.
داستان این کتاب درباره‌ برایان پسربچه‌ای عه که توی مدرسه تقریباً هرگز به چشم نمیاد و دیده نمیشه و این موضوع آزارش میده. البته آزاری که می‌بینه این‌شکلی نیست که معلم‌ها و بچه‌ها مدام اذیتش کنن یا باهاش دعوا داشته باشن، اتفاقا مسئله دقیقاً برعکس‌شه. برایان انقدر بچه آروم، ساکت، بی‌حلشیه و درونگراییه که اصلاً در دایره‌ توجه بقیه و حتی معلمش نیست. وقتی بچه‌ها برای بازی یارکشی می‌کنن، کسی سراغ برایان نمیاد؛ وقتی برای فعالیتی گروه تشکیل می‌دن، اون همیشه یا آخرین نفره یا بیرون از جمع می‌مونه و انگار اصلا کسی اونو نمی‌بینه.
حالا که به اینجا رسیدیم قبل از اینکه درباره مفهوم داستان حرف بزنم میخوام ارادت و تحسین خودم رو نسبت به تصویرگری کتاب ابراز کنم که نقش خیلی خیلی مهمی توی روایت ایفا می‌کنه. اول اینکه نقاشی‌ها ساده هستن و شلوغ‌نشدن، ولی همزمان حال و هوای بچه‌های کوچیک مدرسه و انرژی و نشاط اون محیط رو هم بخوبی منعکس میکنن. اما بهترین بخش این تصویرگری اونجاییه که برایان رو سیاه و سفید نقاشی کرده و بقیه بچه ها تمام رنگی هستن جای و این مدام به ما یادآوری می‌کنه که برایان چه حسی داره. یه جورایی کتاب بدون اینکه مدام توضیح بده، خودش ازت می‌خواد به تصویر نگاه کنی و متوجه بشی چه اتفاقی داره می‌افته. و این چیزیه که در کتاب کودک خیلی ارزشمنده، چون بچه قرار نیست فقط متن رو بخونه؛ باید روایت تصویری رو هم دنبال کنه.
خب میرسیم به متن داستان.
برایان با اینکه بچه درونگرا و ساکتیه اما از طرف دیگه منفعل و بی‌احساس نیست و دنیای خودش رو داره. اون نقاشی میکنه، کاردستی می‌سازه، خیال‌پردازی می‌کنه و با خودش سرگرمه و درواقع یک بچه کاملا نرماله اما فقط ویژگی‌ها و علایقی داره که توی مدرسه کسی فرصت نکرده اون‌ها رو ببینه.
اینجاست که داستان کم‌کم ما رو به مفهوم طرد اجتماعی نزدیک می‌کنه. برایان، پسر نامرئی خیلی خوب نشون می‌ده که تجربه‌ طرد شدن یعنی چی؛ تجربه‌ای که لزوماً به شکل دعوا، مسخره‌کردن یا زورگویی هم نیست ولی می‌تونه شکل خیلی ساده‌تر و شاید دردناک‌تر نادیده گرفته شدن و عدم تعلق رو داشته باشه.
از نظر روان‌شناسی، تعلق داشتن به یک جمع، مخصوصاً برای بچه‌ها، یکی از نیازهای مهم انسانیه. بچه هنوز داره تصویرش از خودش و جایگاهش بین بقیه رو می‌سازه، برای همین وقتی مرتب نادیده گرفته می‌شه، ممکنه کم‌کم این تجربه رو به خودش نسبت بده و با خودش فکر کنه: شاید من دوست‌داشتنی نیستم یا شاید من اصلاً به این جمع تعلق ندارم. وقتی بچه‌ای به این شکل از جمع طرد می‌شه حتی می‌تونه روی حال و رفتارش هم اثر بذاره. ممکنه اعتمادبه‌نفسش پایین بیاد، مضطرب‌تر بشه، بیشتر خودش رو کنار بکشه یا برعکس، برای اینکه بالاخره دیده بشه، رفتارهای پرخاشگرانه یا جلب‌توجه‌کننده آسیب‌زا نشون بده. از طرف دیگه، وقتی یه بچه مدام از جمع کنار گذاشته می‌شه، فرصت کمتری هم برای تمرین مهارت‌های اجتماعی پیدا می‌کنه و همین می‌تونه یه چرخه معیوب بسازه چون ارتباط گرفتن براش سخت شده، کمتر وارد جمع می‌شه و چون کمتر وارد جمع می‌شه، باز هم فرصت کمتری برای دوست پیدا کردن داره. اغلب اوقات معلم‌ها و اطرافیان بچه‌ هم ناخواسته به این مسله دامن میزنن، چون اصولا توی مدارس رفتارهای پر سر و صدا و برون‌گرایانه بیشتر مورد توجه قرار داده میشه و پاسخ میگیرن و بچه‌های درون‌گرا و ساکت هرجه بیشتر منزوی میشن و به حاشیه رانده می‌شن.
برایان هم دقیقاً توی همین چرخه گیر افتاده. اون ساکته، بیشتر خودش رو کنار می‌کشه و انگار کم‌کم یاد گرفته انتظار زیادی از بقیه نداشته باشه.
اما یک روز یک اتفاق جالب میفته . یک پسر کُره‌ای وارد کلاس میشه که در ابتدای ورودش بخاطر شکل ظاهری و غذاهایی که میخوره از طرف کلاس مورد تمسخر قرار می‌گیره. اینجا برایان با جاستین همون پسر جدید احساس همدلی میکنه، براش نقاشی می‌کشه و توجهش رو جلب میکنه. و دقیقا جایی از داستان که جاستین دستش رو بعنوان دوستی روی شونه برایان میگذاره، تصویر برایان شروع میکنه به رنگی شدن.
خیلی قشنگه چون کتاب نشون میده یک رابطه‌ ساده و یک رفتار مهربانانه می‌تونه باعث شه یک بچه مطرود برای اولین بار احساس کنه دیده شده و حضورش برای کسی اهمیت داره.
اینجا کتاب یه نکته‌ خیلی مهم رو آموزش میده و اینکه برای مقابله با طرد اجتماعی لازم نیست یک جمع بزرگ دور یک بچه شکل بگیره و وجود حتی فقط یک رابطه‌ امن و واقعی می‌تونه تغییر بزرگی ایجاد کنه.برایان کسی که خودش تجربه‌ نادیده گرفته شدن رو داشته، حالا متوجه تنهایی یک نفر دیگه می‌شه و کاری می‌کنه که اون هم احساس نکنه نامرئیه. این بخش از داستان به نظرم از مهم‌ترین قسمت‌های کتابه، چون مهربونی رو فقط به‌عنوان یک رفتار اخلاقی نشون نمی‌ده؛ نشون می‌ده دیده شدن چطور می‌تونه به آدم قدرت بده که خودش هم دیگری رو ببینه.

من این کتاب عالی رو هم به بچه ها هم بزرگترها پیشنهاد می‌کنم چون درسهای خیلی خوبی میده و امیدوارم یادمون نره که دیدن آدما، فقط نگاه کردن بهشون نیست؛ لازمه اسمشون رو صدا بزنید، باهاشون حرف بزنید، توی تصمیم گیری ها شرکت‌شون بدید و توی جمع بپذیریدشون. اینجوری آدما احساس نامرئی بودن و طردشدن نخواهند داشت.

[Reading_ Tamishly]

It's one of the best children's books ever! Even I as an adult can totally relate with the main character. Brian feels isolated, lonely and feels invisible in class. He's a loner who enjoys what he does: good at drawing and having lots of stories in his head. He really struggles when it comes to team work and really cannot get along with the rest of the kids. The other kids are just outspoken and do not hesitate to make fun of him or the new kid. This new kid accepts Brian as he is and Brian has to change his perspectives on how to be with others. To be a friend, he has to be a friend and actually make an effort to participate in team activities. The story seems so real. The illustration is subtle yet amazing. But the story ended too soon.

[Sara]

کاش هیچوقت هیچکی سیاه‌سفید نمونه و رنگ بگیره...

[Shaikhah]

Good book for kids

[Debbie W.]

A great book to read to young children - makes them think!

[Julie]

This book truly struck a chord with me. I loved both the writing and the illustrations, which told the story so beautifully. My heart broke for Brian as he experienced the lonely and isolating feeling of being "invisible" to others. The story ends well, however, it's a great reminder to reach out to individuals of all ages who may otherwise remain on the sidelines, and not experience the camaraderie and warmth of friendship, and benefits of belonging in a community. I know some individuals may prefer their own company, however, I also know that we all need to have the sense that someone cares about us, and we need to be "heard" every once in a while.

[Chadi Raheb]

In the end, all that matters is maybe just kindness...


P.S.
With special thanks to Ajdala who showed me a new world of books; love you to the bookstore & back :((( 💚🐉

[R. G. Nairam]

precious ;-;

one spread captured a feeling I've had since I was small so perfectly it ached

[Abigail]

Brian feels invisible in Mrs. Carlotti's class. Overlooked by his teacher, who pays more attention to the louder children, left out at lunchtime by his peers, and ignored when it comes time to choose players for the kickball teams, he quietly waits and hopes that someone will notice him. Then one day a boy named Justin comes to school, and Brian's act of kindness, after he observes the other children ridiculing the new pupil's Korean lunch, opens up a world of friendship - of being visible - to him...

An engaging and thought-provoking story is paired here with expressive illustrations that perfectly embody the themes explored in the narrative, making The Invisible Boy a truly successful picture-book on all fronts. I found the story quite moving, and thought author Trudy Ludwig really captured the poignancy of the experiences of many quieter children, who, like Brian, patiently wait to be noticed. The happy conclusion to the tale felt natural, rather than forced, and the discussion questions at the rear make it plain that the hope is that story will be used to help children explore issues of social inclusion, and work out their own happy endings. The artwork, done first in pencil and then colored digitally, really works well with the text, depicting Brian in a faded, colorless way at first, symbolizing his figurative invisibility in his classroom, and then moving to a more colorful, filled-in look, as he gains more social interaction through his friendship with Justin. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories that address issues of bullying, kindness, social inclusion, and cross-community friendship.

[Elizabeth☮]

A book about being the quiet student that blends into the background. Not because you don't count, but because other students in the room make themselves known.

Brian likes to draw and so when others don't include him, he goes to his safe space and sketches. It isn't until another classmate makes note of his talent and draws (pun intended)Brian into the conversation.

A lovely book with a beautiful lesson to teachers and parents alike: being quiet doesn't mean you don't have something to share.

[افخم منافی فرید]

"داستانی که با دل و جان نوشته شده. پسر نامرئی قدرت مهربانی را نشان می دهد و بر دلسوزی و شفقت تاکید دارد."
میا دوکز

[La Coccinelle]

This is a cute little story about friendship and kindness.

Brian is invisible. The other kids in the class don't seem to see him. He's excluded from everything and is always picked last. He's a quiet kid who keeps to himself, and so is often overlooked. One day, a new student shows up. The other kids make fun of his lunch. Brian leaves a supportive note in Justin's cubby, and the seeds of a new friendship are planted.

This book could be the start of some interesting discussions and, in fact, there are some questions at the back to help you get started. I don't know if I'm really a fan of those, as some of them seemed to imply that the kids were being cruel on purpose. (Given the age at which the kids are depicted, the incidents in question were more likely thoughtless rather than intentionally malicious.)

I like the way Brian is drawn in black and white most of the time, with colour starting to creep in whenever someone "sees" him. And the illustrations are pretty cute in general. They're my favourite part of the book.

Those looking for books about inclusion, thoughtfulness, and kindness will probably find something to like here. It's nice to see a book that doesn't go straight for the bullying angle; there are subtler ways that kids can hurt each other, even unintentionally, and this book addresses some of them in a sensitive way.

Quotable moment:

At morning recess, Brian finds a piece of chalk on the ground and starts drawing away.

[Jay G]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...


Brian feels invisible in his classroom. No one seems to pay any attention to him until the new boy, Justin arrives and things begin to change.

I used this book in a lesson plan for bullying during teacher's college. It has a beautiful message and is a great resource to explore social lessons on kindness and inclusion and can foster great discussions with your class. I loved the illustrations and strategic use of colour through out and the message that sends to the reader.

[Gigi]

I would recommend this book to any classes at the elementary level. It is a wonderful reminder for students about how it feels to be left out and how they can include others. It is also a great reminder for teachers to pay attention to ALL children. The pictures are very well done. I like how Brian is drawn in black and white at first. A terrific story!

[Cara]

This was such a sweet book! It would be great to use for a teaching moment if someone is being left out, or is leaving someone out.

[Moonkiszt]

Used in latest Grandma Reads Zoom session.

Many Littles find starting in a new already established group a daunting and difficult challenge. They feel invisible. Bigs, too, for that matter. This sweet story shows how easy it is to turn things around. All it takes is one or two kind hearts to reach out and welcome the new one and stand by as they acclimatize themselves to the group. Always a good message to those reading and those who listen.

4 stars (reaching out with smiles).

[KC]

A lovely tale of a boy who feels invisible.

[Sarah Couture]

Une histoire parfaite sur l’acceptation des autres et l’inclusion

[Margaret]

This is exactly what it's like to be a shy child in school! Awesome illustrations!

[Irene]

I almost cried reading this book with one of my nieces and my nephew.

Brian is smart, talented, and kind. He's also invisible to his classmates, who live in a much louder world. Brian spends his Choosing Time drawing fantastical pictures of dragons, space aliens, pirates, and superheroes. His pictures illustrate Brian's unique sense of humor along with his kindness.

His dragon lives at the top of a skyscraper. When residents hold out marshmallows, the dragon will toast them! When I asked the kids if they would like a dragon on top of their house for roasting marshmallows, we all got excited. S'mores every night!

A new students named Justin arrives. The other kids are leery of him, but Brian gives him a big welcoming smile. At lunch one of the boys makes fun of Justin's Bulgogi, Korean barbecued beef. Brian makes sure to give Justin a special illustrated letter telling Justin that he thought the Bulgogi looked good.

Justin starts to fit in with the other kids, but he doesn't forget Brian's kindness. For a group project involving pairs or triads, Justin invites Brian to join him and another student. By working together, the three boys see each other's strengths. And all three boys become friends.

In the beginning of the story, Brian is gray. He's in the classroom and on the playground, but no one sees him. As Justin's kind gestures include a Brian more and more in the story, the Brian illustrations slowly take on color.

If you're looking for a book about kindness, particularly one that involves an introverted child, then this book is it. Brian is the sweetest little guy who considers others' feelings. Loved this story!

[Becky]

I definitely liked this picture book. It deals with the question: which is worse--being laughed at or feeling invisible?

Brian, our young hero, is the invisible boy. He's friendless. This is noticeable even in the classroom, but especially so in the lunchroom and at recess. But when a new student comes, Brian reaches out to him--via note, I might add--and soon Brian begins to lose his invisibility. It starts with the new kid, Justin, but soon expands to include others. It has a happy ending that may seem sudden and a bit too good to be true. But it makes for a satisfying conclusion. I liked Brian and Justin. I liked the fact that Brian had strengths, that he definitely was worth knowing and worth noticing.

The book is intentional. It is packed with social lessons. It is inviting the visible and invisible kids to think about their actions, their words, their choices. None of the children are "bad" children; some are thoughtless and impulsive, but nobody is vilified into a BULLY, which I thought was a good thing. The focus is on the little things. The little things that are more accidentally thoughtless than purposefully: I'm out to HURT you.

[Patricia Tilton]

Brian feels invisible to his teacher and friends at school. He is with them, but not really. What child has not felt invisible at some time in school. Trudy Ludwig masterfully tells a heartfelt story about a boy who wants to belong, but is ignored by others. Even his teacher doesn’t pay a lot of attention to Brian because she has to deal with other high-maintenance children in the classroom. Brian is kind-hearted and finds his own way to make a friend and gain the acceptance of the other students. Ludwig’s book is an excellent resource for any parent or teacher looking for material that addresses shy and quiet students. It is isn’t preachy and Brian solves his own problem. Patrice Barton’s artwork is creative and perfect for the book. The cover is in muted pastels which sets the tone for the story. In the beginning pages, Brian is a black and white sketch, while the classroom is shown in full color. When Justin befriends Brian, a little color begins to appear. As Brian asserts himself in the class project he is revealed in full color. This a great collaborative effort between Ludwig and Barton.

[Megan]

This book - wow! Just wow! This is the first review I'm writing on Goodreads because it was truly TOO good not to share! I picked this up at the library but now I'm thinking I will have to purchase it to add it to my shelf! What a powerful message about feeling left out for kids of all ages- and adults, too! Loved the reminder that we all have a special gift or talent to bring to others.

[Jessica Mae]

As someone who often felt invisible as a kid and loves to draw, this book warmed my heart so much! Loved it!

[Steve Holden]

This is a wonderfully written and illustrated book for all children and any classroom. I love the message!

Brian is "The Invisible Boy." He feels this way in his classroom with his peers and teacher alike. There are other kids who are loud - they use their "outdoor voice inside," or require much more attention from the teacher. Brian enjoys school, loves art, and doing as he should. He's not overly outgoing, so his peers often pay attention to others before him. He feels alone and invisible.

The illustrations at the beginning help convey his feelings to the reader too. They're beautifully done, and allow for conversations as much as the content of the story. The story begins to shift when Justin, a new student, arrives. Justin is new and noticed, but also different. It raises a question for Brian and the audience alike - "Is it worse to be invisible or laughed at?" Nevertheless, Justin notices Brian - he's not invisible to him. The two find an acceptance in each other and in the end, it's all they're looking for. Most young students are looking for the same thing. Students relate to the two lead characters in this - who hasn't at least felt like one of them at some point?

This is a fantastic story to have handy in a classroom. It's also just a feel-good story for anyone looking to spend a few minutes with a book and end it with a smile!

[Caterina]

Patrice Barton's illustrations really stood out for me -- they so perfectly captured the natures and personalities (individual and as a class) of young children in the Kindergarten through Second Grade range -- from body language to facial expressions to group dynamics to clothing -- as well as subtle details of the contemporary classroom and school physical environment. The author, Trudy Ludwig, is actively involved in the International Bullying Prevention Association and a "sought after speaker" according to the author bio on the back flap. The story shows several ways that children may (sometimes thoughtlessly) exclude others or make them feel "invisible" and offers several easy and natural ways to make friends, both for children who are excluded and for children who want to bring excluded children into the circle of friendship. At the end, a teacher's guide offers useful class discussion questions.

[Ed Windhausen]

Brian is not like everyone else. He doesn't stand out and is often overlooked, even by his teacher. But, Brian has a wonderful imagination and a talent for drawing, if only he would get noticed. When a new student comes to Brian's class, things begin to change. Everyone learns that how we treat each other has an impact on all of us. Teachers have recognized the importance of this book by choosing it as the 2013 SLJ (School Library Journal)best book, and the 2014 IRA, Teacher's Choice for primary readers.

This book uses varying methods to tell the story. While a majority of the book is told through the author's text and the illustrator's images, the main character's own illustrations and speech bubbles are interspersed to display his creativity and emotional responses as the story unfolds. Even adults will relate to the sadness of being left out of activities and may trigger emotional responses to past situations. This could offer teachers an opportunity to encourage young readers and writers to examine and reflect on their own experiences through cartoon drawings and comic style speech bubble text. The Invisible Boy can be used, not only as a entry into a literacy lesson, but to reinforce the importance of kindness and compassion. Whether including a new student, a child who doesn't speak the dominant language, a student with special needs, or just someone who seems different in some way, this book is applicable. What a beautiful illustration of a cross-curricular text.