Something Extraordinary

by Ben Clanton

Amazing things are happening all around you. You just need to know where to look—and this whimsical picture book is the perfect place to start.

Have you ever wished for something extraordinary? Like the ability to fly? Or to breathe underwater? What if you could talk to animals?

It’s fun to wish for amazing things. But take a look around, and you just might find that the most “ordinary” things…can be extraordinary.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fantasy, Storytime, Animals, 1st Grade

40 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Ben Clanton is the author/illustrator of the Narwhal and Jelly series as well as a number of other books as IT CAME IN THE MAIL, MO'S MUSTACHE, and TATER TALES. When Ben isn't doodling up stories (and often when he is) he likes to cook, explore outdoors, and play basketball. Ben lives in Seattle, WA with his wife and kids. Find out more about Ben at www.benclanton.com.

Reviews

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this one was a bit disjointed from all the wishing to how the end is. That might just be me. I still want to try it in storytime, but this isn't one I think would do as well in the Beehives. Sometimes sweet and/or wishful gets lost on that group.

6/22/16 Used in S is for theme. Opener because I figured I would have the smaller crowd because of late-comers. I was thinking this would be meh, but it went over SO well. The kids loved seeing what the boy was wishing/imagining. And they got the ending. Then I asked them what is one thing they would wish for. We got "Play all day, ride bike all day, ride motorcycle, and SING all day" :-).

9/20/17 Closer in "Isn't that sweet" theme. Not sure why I put those together. Overall very good. Forgot to ask about what they would wish for.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wish and search for something extraordinary to happen often means we are missing out on the extraordinary things that are happening all around us that are just disguised as ordinary things. The message of this book puts me in mind of The Man with the Violin and how so often beautiful things are passing us by because we are too oblivious to notice.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wait, what? Heidi-Marie says kids in story-time loved it, so fine. Great message about finding joy in the everyday. But really, lots and lots of crazy wishes and boom the kid's satisfied with baby birds in a nest?

Read Minarik's "What If?" instead. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Aliza Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, but the extraordinary was pretty mundane and subtle. Left me wanting more.

[Hmalowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - made me smile and my heart sing. All about imagination and wanting great things out of life. I want to read this book by the piano and play the notes the birds sing.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conceptually weak. The build-up does not build and the payoff does not pay.

[Carrie Charley Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagination gives birth to ideas and takes delight in making the impossible possible. Ben Clanton captures this essence through both wonder-filled words and whimsical, soft illustrations, as if daring the child to look at the world in creative ways. Look for hope and possibilities through the eyes of a young boy and all of his surroundings. Look for ways to make childhood wonder stay alive, even if it means every raindrop is a different flavor. Exploration and fun are at the forefront of this journey-style picture book.

I received a review copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the illustrations, and I like some of the thoughts expressed in the book, but I felt like it really lacked a story-line, and I found myself rather confused at the end.

[Sarah (YA Love) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Hankins just read this in his picture book remix session at Nerd Camp. The little boy makes me think of Jack.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the ordinary is extraordinary if you just look at it a little closer. I like this book as a writing workshop starter - maybe for Slice of Life.

[Whitney Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the message that real life holds what's most extraordinary.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Extraordinary by one of our favorites Ben Clanton is a great read for the beginning of the new year! After reading this adorable story about making a wish I talked to my four year old about his wishes for the new year. Just like in the book some of his wishes were ones that may not come true but then there were others that were extraordinary! With gorgeous illustrations and text that is simple but yet brings so much meaning this story is great for ages 4-8.

[storymamas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Extraordinary by one of our favorites Ben Clanton is a great read for the beginning of the new year! After reading this adorable story about making a wish I talked to my four year old about his wishes for the new year. Just like in the book some of his wishes were ones that may not come true but then there were others that were extraordinary! With gorgeous illustrations and text that is simple but yet brings so much meaning this story is great for ages 4-8.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 stars for the amazing illustrations, but only 3 stars for the text. There is so much unrealized potential in the storytelling. I was hoping this build up would lead to something...more extraordinary. However, I get the message and it is a powerful one and I think kids WILL find the extraordinary in the imagery.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

The young boy wishes something amazing would happen. He gives an example on each page as he experiences his ordinary life. Suddenly, he notices music and discovers how extraordinary his world really is.
Use to talk about appreciating what we have while continuing to dream for the future.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A child wishes he could be extraordinary, and he imagines he can do extraordinary things. Then he notices something extraordinary that is real! A good story to show young readers that when we take notice we can see that what's around us can be wonderful.
Nicely illustrated.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you wish for? "I wish....." for the extraodinary. The story leads us to see that what is extraordinary, may simply be found around us.

Great book to have little ones come up with how they would finish the sentence, "I wish..." after reading the book.

[Bookjeannnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations! What have you wished for?

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child finds real world can be as magical as the imagination.

[Tara Caillavet-Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While wishing for something extraordinary to happen the little boy misses what is amazing all around him.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple story. Simple drawings. Fun for the adventurous little kid in your life.

[Miss Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird ending

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally relatable for kids. We really enjoyed this one.

[DiAnne Warfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

CADL FB Live story time 01-25-21

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Ben Clanton's books and liked the idea of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, but this one fell flat.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were beautiful and although I understand the message of the story, I feel like it could have been conveyed a little better.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute. Blocky simple with a bit of personality. Mellow color scheme just blues and brown mostly. All mellow patrolled watercolor.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy wishes things would happen. My favorite part was at the end when the birds were singing and there were real musical notes on the staff line, and the boy was singing to the turtle.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like how birdsong was the final extraordinary