Shortlisted Picture Book Of The Year 2012: The Hueys In The New Jumper by Oliver Jeffers

What would the world be like if we lived as a nation of identikit looky-likies? That's the universe that is inhabited by the Hueys, a funny-looking but kinda cute breed of creatures, with oval bodies, stick legs and pin-prick beady eyes. Life in Huey World is peaceful and dandy, with everyone having the same pursuits and tastes, until one day Rupert decides to knit himself a rather fetching orange jumper to get himself noticed in the crowd. At first, there's dissention among his fellow Hueys, but then his friend Gillespie decides he too will knit himself an identical jumper. Before you know, all the Hueys are "different" with their identical jumpers – though of course they are all ironically the same again! What will Rupert do next to stand out from the crowd? This is a funny and playful exploration of identity, finding how you fit it or dare to be different, all executed with Oliver Jeffers' distinctive effortless naive style that will strike a chord with young readers who will relish Jeffer's innate sense of mischievous fun.

The Hueys And The New Jumper by Oliver Jeffers (HarperCollins, £10.99)

Who won the Junior Design Awards Best Picture Book 2012 category? More books by Oliver Jeffers.