When my daughter was young, I told her that while she was small it was my job to look after her, but that one day I would be small and she would need to take care of me. In this extraordinary picture book by rising star Zeno Sworder, the parents are shrinking exponentially, as they trade their own height as payment for their child’s needs over the years.

This is a picture book as much for adults as it is for children. Children will find it magical the way the parents get smaller as the boy grows up. It’s like watching Alice in Wonderland or The Borrowers; tiny beings in a supersized world. Adults will recognise the sacrifices made for a beloved child, particularly immigrants who come to a new country with nothing and must build their lives anew. The illustrative style gives a nod to Japanese woodblock prints, and there is incredible attention to detail throughout, from the endpapers featuring teapots through to the stunning tonal prints on each page.

Lovingly produced, designed and illustrated, My Strange Shrinking Parents is an enchanting story of parental sacrifice. Not only will it win many awards, it will undoubtedly enthral and captivate readers for a long time to come. A must-read for ages 4 to adult.

Angela Crocombe is a senior buyer and children’s and YA specialist at readings.