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Out of the Blue
ONLY BLUE ALLOWED, by Blue government demand.
Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned.
In a very blue house on a very blue street, sits a little boy who feels as blue as the world around him.
For this little boy has a BIG secret: he loves the colour yellow.
In a world where only one colour is allowed, will he be brave enough to tell his dad? And will they be able to defy the rules and create a world where EVERY colour is welcome?
One boy and his dad are about to come OUT OF THE BLUE and into life in technicolour!
A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in ALL the colours of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy. Championing difference, diversity and pride, this gloriously illustrated picture book is perfect for fans of Perfectly Norman, Grandad's Camper and Julian Is a Mermaid.
Anything that isn't blue, by colour law, is banned.
In a very blue house on a very blue street, sits a little boy who feels as blue as the world around him.
For this little boy has a BIG secret: he loves the colour yellow.
In a world where only one colour is allowed, will he be brave enough to tell his dad? And will they be able to defy the rules and create a world where EVERY colour is welcome?
One boy and his dad are about to come OUT OF THE BLUE and into life in technicolour!
A stunning celebration of being yourself and living in ALL the colours of the rainbow, from debut author Robert Tregoning and rising star illustrator Stef Murphy. Championing difference, diversity and pride, this gloriously illustrated picture book is perfect for fans of Perfectly Norman, Grandad's Camper and Julian Is a Mermaid.
Hardcover
Published February 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 3, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Out of the Blue is a beautifully told rhyming book for children about celebrating differences and being unique and loving yourself no matter what or who you love. This is such a great story for all children and is told in s subtle yet reassuring way too. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is clear for children to understand. This book let's children know that they don't have to follow the crowd and like or love something just because everyone else does or they're told they have to - it encourages them to discover their own likes and loves and not to be ashamed of being different.
Out of the Blue is a beautifully told rhyming book for children about celebrating differences and being unique and loving yourself no matter what or who you love. This is such a great story for all children and is told in s subtle yet reassuring way too. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is clear for children to understand. This book let's children know that they don't have to follow the crowd and like or love something just because everyone else does or they're told they have to - it encourages them to discover their own likes and loves and not to be ashamed of being different.
January 30, 2025
Um livro muito bonito com ilustrações maravilhosas e cativantes!
Além disso a mensagem torna-se tão importante sobretudo nos dias de hoje: não temos de ter receio de sermos quem somos porque é na diferença que nos completamos e alcançamos a felicidade. 🥹
Tornou-se um favorito da pequena cá de casa.
Além disso a mensagem torna-se tão importante sobretudo nos dias de hoje: não temos de ter receio de sermos quem somos porque é na diferença que nos completamos e alcançamos a felicidade. 🥹
Tornou-se um favorito da pequena cá de casa.
November 6, 2022
I read this book with my class and they loved it. I love the message that it's ok to be you no matter what others say. I think it's such an important message, especially at the moment. The illustrations are beautiful and the rhyming structure makes this book really enjoyable to read out loud. I thoroughly recommend it!
April 25, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ dès qu’on l’a reçu à la librairie j’ai su que j’allais l’adorer! il y a tout pour me plaire : de sublimes illustrations, un message important et des émotions fortes 🥺💙💛💚
March 23, 2023
Πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο μεταφρασμένο σε έμμετρο λόγο (ακολουθώντας το ίδιο ύφος με το πρωτότυπο κείμενο), με ευδιάκριτους συμβολισμούς. Ο αγγλικός τίτλος είναι Out of the blue (Έτσι ξαφνικά). Θα μπορούσε να ερμηνευτεί και σαν λογοπαίγνιο μεταξύ των εκφράσεων feeling blue και coming out of the closet. Το αγόρι είναι μελαγχολικό στον μπλε κόσμο που είναι αναγκασμένο να ζει (feeling blue: είμαι στεναχωρημένο), κρύβει τα απαγορευμένα κίτρινα αντικείμενα στην ντουλάπα του, μέχρι που μία μέρα τα βγάζει όλα έξω και χορεύει χαρούμενο (coming out of the closet: πρόκειται για έκφραση που χρησιμοποιείται μεταφορικά για να περιγράψει την πράξη γνωστοποίησης της ταυτότητας φύλου ή/και τον σεξουαλικό προσανατολισμό ενός ατόμου στους οικείους του ή/και το ευρύτερο κοινωνικό περιβάλλον). Η ντουλάπα λειτουργεί συμβολικά ως το μέρος που κρύβονται και παραμονεύουν οι παιδικοί μας (και όχι μόνο) φόβοι και μυστικά. Η πατρική φιγούρα (μπορεί κανείς να υποθέσει πως γίνεται αναφορά σε μονογονεϊκή οικογένεια) στοργική και ενθαρρυντική, βοηθάει πολύ το παιδί να εκφραστεί ελεύθερα και περήφανα, συμμετέχοντας και ο ίδιος ενεργά σ’ αυτή τη διαδρομή. Το κίτρινο χρώμα μας παραπέμπει στο φως, την αλήθεια και συνδέεται με τη χαρά και την απελευθέρωση. Όταν η πόλη γίνεται πολύχρωμη με όλα τα χρώματα του ουράνιου τόξου (συμβολο της LGBTQ+ κοινότητας), όλοι είναι χαρούμενοι και απελευθερωμένοι. Όλοι βρίσκουν την ταυτότητά τους. Είναι ο εαυτός τους.
Η Νίκη Λιακουρα γράφει στην Κόκκινη Αλεπού για το βιβλίο "Οχι μόνο μπλε" --> https://kokkinialepou.gr/ochi-mono-mple/
Η Νίκη Λιακουρα γράφει στην Κόκκινη Αλεπού για το βιβλίο "Οχι μόνο μπλε" --> https://kokkinialepou.gr/ochi-mono-mple/
October 31, 2022
In a world where the government determines everything should be blue, one young boy hides his love for all things the colour yellow.He keeps his feelings hidden and is scared to share them . One night whilst euphorically celebrating his love of yellow his father discovers him ; there then follows a surprise for the boy and a time for everyone to recognise they should be whoever they wish. This is beautiful and charming story celebrating diversity and the desire to not follow conformity - Robert Tregoning’s wonderful tale will enable young readers with teachers and parents to express what they love that makes them different to others and the importance of being yourself. The illustrations are fantastic- so much depth and detail . The prose is lovely - rhyming words - perfect for the under 7s .A truly special book for exploring differences and celebrating the ‘rainbows ‘ of life around the world - perfect for KS 1- highly recommended
February 5, 2023
This book tells such a beautiful tale. Everything is blue, but one boy, he likes the colour yellow.
The story itself is simple and sweet and lets people know that just because they’re different, doesn’t mean they’re ‘wrong’ for being that way. And we can all use a little colour in our lives!
The illustrations in this are gorgeous, and so incredibly well done. I can see many younger readers thoroughly enjoying this one, and I know I will be recommending it wherever I can.
The story itself is simple and sweet and lets people know that just because they’re different, doesn’t mean they’re ‘wrong’ for being that way. And we can all use a little colour in our lives!
The illustrations in this are gorgeous, and so incredibly well done. I can see many younger readers thoroughly enjoying this one, and I know I will be recommending it wherever I can.
October 17, 2025
Beautiful heartwarming story about being yourself
This book is about one little boy that secretly loves yellow in a world that only allows blue. His dad supports him by painting their house yellow and then the whole neighborhood breaks rank and paints the town whatever color they want. It’s about celebrating humanity’s free will to choose what they love.
This book is about one little boy that secretly loves yellow in a world that only allows blue. His dad supports him by painting their house yellow and then the whole neighborhood breaks rank and paints the town whatever color they want. It’s about celebrating humanity’s free will to choose what they love.
February 14, 2023
Ερωτεύτηκα και εγώ και ο μικρός!!!
Βιβλίο για να το δίνουμε δώρο παντού, μπας και μάθουν και οι γονείς πως είναι ο σωστός τρόπος αντιμετώπισης της όποιας διαφορετικότητας του παιδιού τους.
Βιβλίο για να το δίνουμε δώρο παντού, μπας και μάθουν και οι γονείς πως είναι ο σωστός τρόπος αντιμετώπισης της όποιας διαφορετικότητας του παιδιού τους.
May 8, 2024
Sunshine State 2024-25
October 30, 2022
lovely message about doing your own thing
April 4, 2023
Από τα βιβλία που πρέπει να διαβάσουν πρώτα όλοι οι γονείς και στη συνέχεια να τα διαβασουν και στα παιδιά τους
November 24, 2022
Almost-dystopia for the picture book crowd: family, being different and standing up for You.
I've read adult and YA books with similar themes: only one colour / no colours allowed. Now it's a concept for a toddler/preschool reader, and one that colour-mad littlies will go all wide-eyed over!
In the boy's world, everything blue is banned - grass must be painted blue. Any rubbish not blue is buried underground. And the boy has a secret, one that's making him unhappy - he has a small collection of yellow things hidden away in his room.
Yellow makes him happy, but he knows it could get him in a lot of trouble... and now his Dad is coming!
The story takes a turn young readers might not see, in this blue world, in this single-parent dreary household... and it might affect more than just one boy and his loving father.
Bright, hopeful and joyous, there are questions for adults about the world Tregoning has created (it feels like a Handmaid's Tale world but made less sinister) but for children it's a good metaphor for being who you are, liking what you want, and not being afraid. And that parents can surprise you.
The blue world is pretty enough, clearly not 'right' and children will enjoy seeing everyday things all in blue (blue toast got me!), maybe wonder why. There might even be chats about unfair rules and freedom.
For ages 3-8.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
I've read adult and YA books with similar themes: only one colour / no colours allowed. Now it's a concept for a toddler/preschool reader, and one that colour-mad littlies will go all wide-eyed over!
In the boy's world, everything blue is banned - grass must be painted blue. Any rubbish not blue is buried underground. And the boy has a secret, one that's making him unhappy - he has a small collection of yellow things hidden away in his room.
Yellow makes him happy, but he knows it could get him in a lot of trouble... and now his Dad is coming!
The story takes a turn young readers might not see, in this blue world, in this single-parent dreary household... and it might affect more than just one boy and his loving father.
Bright, hopeful and joyous, there are questions for adults about the world Tregoning has created (it feels like a Handmaid's Tale world but made less sinister) but for children it's a good metaphor for being who you are, liking what you want, and not being afraid. And that parents can surprise you.
The blue world is pretty enough, clearly not 'right' and children will enjoy seeing everyday things all in blue (blue toast got me!), maybe wonder why. There might even be chats about unfair rules and freedom.
For ages 3-8.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
January 13, 2023
This rhyming book of beauty is one that is small but packs and powerful and important punch. Got sent this by Bloomsbury so a big thanks to Emily for this.
This book is so important and it teaches younger ones about self acceptance and that they have nothing to be ashamed of for being themselves.
The use of rhyme is so important as well, being a qualified early years worker I would use rhyme in helping things of importance to stick.
This book and how it rhymes really was beautiful, the illustrations are absolutely spectacular and done so so beautifully.
I think teaching children to be self accepting and teaching them not to be ashamed of their feelings is a massively important thing especially being in 2023. We need our generations of the future to change and be accepting of all and not prejudge people for their feelings and their preferences in life.
I can't believe we are still having to enforce this and make people realise how important it is that people are accepted for who they are and who they love.
This book was bloody marvellous and I would love to be able to give a few copies of this to the local school that I support by passing on all my review books I have the fortunate opportunity of receiving.
This book really was beautiful and I loved it
This book is so important and it teaches younger ones about self acceptance and that they have nothing to be ashamed of for being themselves.
The use of rhyme is so important as well, being a qualified early years worker I would use rhyme in helping things of importance to stick.
This book and how it rhymes really was beautiful, the illustrations are absolutely spectacular and done so so beautifully.
I think teaching children to be self accepting and teaching them not to be ashamed of their feelings is a massively important thing especially being in 2023. We need our generations of the future to change and be accepting of all and not prejudge people for their feelings and their preferences in life.
I can't believe we are still having to enforce this and make people realise how important it is that people are accepted for who they are and who they love.
This book was bloody marvellous and I would love to be able to give a few copies of this to the local school that I support by passing on all my review books I have the fortunate opportunity of receiving.
This book really was beautiful and I loved it
May 27, 2023
A moving story about a boy who lives in a place where all is regulation blue. Blue is not only the accepted "norm," it is mandated. But secretly, the boy loves yellow. And because he loves yellow, he thinks there's something wrong with him. One day, the boy's dad discovers his secret, and instead of disapproval the boy finds acceptance AND celebration of his secret. And then something else unexpected happens. I won't spoil the surprise, but it turns out to be a beautiful affirmation that all of our differences are good and should be celebrated. It was a pleasure hearing the author read his book that's written in rhyme. As a trained theater performer, the author would make a superb reader for an audio version.
March 24, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated and colored picture book about a place where everything must be blue. However, one boy has a secret: he loves the color yellow; he feels ashamed because he feels something must be wrong with him. But when his dad finds out, he shows acceptance and love, causing a rippling affect that paints the whole town rainbow. I think this is a great allegory for a picture book to use to celebrate queer identity and diversity. The rhyming also flowed really well, creating a great book for storytime.
February 3, 2023
Out of the Blue is a lovely children’s picture book which sends the message of it being okay to be different.
My Top 5 things from this book:
•Rhyming Words
•Beautiful Illustrations
•The Little Duck
•Large Pages and Font
•Uplifting Story
I cannot wait to share this book with my Godson who is 6, he is going to love this and the little duck 🦆
“Let your colours shine and love whatever makes you you!”
My Top 5 things from this book:
•Rhyming Words
•Beautiful Illustrations
•The Little Duck
•Large Pages and Font
•Uplifting Story
I cannot wait to share this book with my Godson who is 6, he is going to love this and the little duck 🦆
“Let your colours shine and love whatever makes you you!”
February 4, 2023
Book 26/52 of my Goodreads Challenge 2023
We are NEVER Blue, when we have a story to listen to.
I won't lie to you dear reader
I cried for the boy in blue.
But as I turned the pages,
my happiness it grew.
Take a message from this story
and let your colours shine through.
Simply celebrate your difference,
and love the you that's YOU!
This is an absolutely beautiful story with amazing illustrations and yes we really did shed a tear or two.
We are NEVER Blue, when we have a story to listen to.
I won't lie to you dear reader
I cried for the boy in blue.
But as I turned the pages,
my happiness it grew.
Take a message from this story
and let your colours shine through.
Simply celebrate your difference,
and love the you that's YOU!
This is an absolutely beautiful story with amazing illustrations and yes we really did shed a tear or two.
September 30, 2022
I loved this book and I loved the moral and underlying messages
The illustrations are lovely too and really bring the story to life
The characters were great and I loved the way that the book was written too
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
It is a lovely little read and one I can see being a hit!
The illustrations are lovely too and really bring the story to life
The characters were great and I loved the way that the book was written too
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended!
It is a lovely little read and one I can see being a hit!
February 23, 2023
In a world where the government dictates that everything must be blue, a boy finds solace in his secret passion for anything yellow. When his father discovers him hiding his love for yellow, he recognises and embraces that everyone should be who they want to be. Out of the Blue reminds us to appreciate, encourage and recognise individuality and personal preference without judgement.
August 2, 2023
What a charming and creative book. OUT OF THE BLUE imagines a "dystopian-lite" sort of world in which everything is blue and all other colors have been banished. One child finds the bravery to say he prefers yellow, and others begin to follow--culminating in a colorful world. It reminded me a little bit of a cartoon of my childhood, "The Point!" in its celebration of difference and diversity.
November 12, 2023
When the whole world is blue, it does feel very sad. The boy in this story loves the color yellow. This story is about a parent who supports the child emotionally and allows him to embrace himself and loving the color yellow. Feels like this book is also talking about diversity and embracing each other for our uniqueness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2024
I loved the book. I loved the use of color, or the lack thereof at the start that turned into use. I really liked the pace and the words and the message.
The artwork was lovely. It had a good flow and would make a good read aloud. The message is subtle and yet important.
It was a good book over all.
The artwork was lovely. It had a good flow and would make a good read aloud. The message is subtle and yet important.
It was a good book over all.
May 28, 2023
The words and the art are both amazing in this story. I love the message that it is okay to be uniquely you. And I love that it is told in a way that is understandable for children (with liking different colors). Highly recommend.
May 31, 2023
I was really impressed by this book's approach! The message is good, but symbolic enough it doesn't feel like an overly didactic "don't suppress X group, who is different". I thought the rhymes were fun and the art excellent!
July 21, 2023
It's fine. Nice artwork and good use of color. It's not the worst extended metaphor for being yourself but if the reader spends any time thinking about why only blue is allowed the premise doesn't really make sense.
January 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I love the message underneath the very easy to follow storyline. There was also a dystopian aspects in terms of the society the boy lived in and I felt it was inspiring to portray that so well for a child's understanding.
October 23, 2024
I thought this book was special because it teaches children how being different and liking other things in life is okay. It is normal to feel anxious and scared about having or liking something different and this book does a beautiful job explaining it. In my future classroom I would to read this to kids to show them how cool different things are!
March 26, 2025
okayyy queer allegory! i loved that when everything in the closet was strewn about and his dad saw, he was not only accepting but was not only accepting but embraced it and painted the whole house yellow! gotta give it 5 but i think i enjoyed it at a 3 star level.
June 22, 2026
Children's
Picture Books
A boy lives in a mandated world of blue hues but loves the color yellow and hides bits of it away in his closet, at least until his dad catches him (with a positive, loving ending!)
Absolutely love this book! Life is a rainbow!
Picture Books
A boy lives in a mandated world of blue hues but loves the color yellow and hides bits of it away in his closet, at least until his dad catches him (with a positive, loving ending!)
Absolutely love this book! Life is a rainbow!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews