In a town where only blue is allowed, a yellow loving boy fears his secret being discovered. He keeps his love of yellow hidden, even from his father and when he is found surrounded by yellow things he fears his dad's reaction. But could loving yellow really be ok?
This lyrical rhyming tale, a seemingly simple story about colours, teaches children that it's ok to be different, and that they should be proud of who they are and what they like.
This book would be brilliant to use as part of PSHE lessons with younger children to talk about how we are all different.

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.

I really enjoyed the concept of this book and I will definitely be purchasing this and using it in my classroom. It will be great to use in pshe to encourage children to be themselves and give lots of opportunities to talk about differences and fitting in. Loved it.

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.

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.

A gorgeous picture book with sumptuous illustrations all about celebrating our differences.

Tregoning and Murphy encourage us to embrace our differences and celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Emma Perry

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!

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

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!