St Sebastian, Jack & The Silver Lining is a funny, feel good children’s picture book that teaches children to overcome difficulties by identifying their uniqueness and developing self esteem.

Focusing on friendship, loyalty and creative thinking, St Sebastian, Jack & The Silver Lining, is a delightfully funny children’s picture book based on the experiences of two likeable, quirky characters. Jack, a very unusual looking old man and his loyal friend, a rather wise rat, called St Sebastian.

As they embark on adventures exploring the world, Jack is bullied and teased because of his strange looks, especially his magnificent pink and gold polka dot beard, leaving him feeling lonely and sad. St Sebastian doesn’t like seeing his friend so down and supports him by making some surprisingly creative suggestions that help resurrect Jack’s spirit and perception of his beard.

As his confidence grows, so too does the magical and musical qualities of his wacky beard, leading the duo to make an unexpected and exciting discovery.

St Sebastian, Jack and The Silver Lining brings home the message that we are all different and reminds us different is perfectly okay - because what makes us different, makes us unique and tapping into our uniqueness, is the sweet spot for sharing our gifts with the world. A fun, illustrative book, full of quirk and character. Up on my shelf it will go with favourites from Graeme Base and Dr Sues!

Sarah Gibson Film and Design School Tafe Queensland