Perfectly Norman: questions to ask and activities to try
Norman was perfectly normal, until he grew a pair of wings. He hides them under a big coat, and hiding turns out to be tiring. Perfectly Norman is a gentle way into talking about difference.
What age is it for? Perfectly Norman is best for ages 4–7. Good for: A child who hides something about themselves to fit in.
Perfectly Norman (Tom Percival)
- Age
- 4-7
- Best for
- A child who hides something about themselves to fit in
The story sits with how tiring hiding is, and ends with Norman uncovering his wings. Ask what changed when he stopped hiding, without framing difference as a problem to fix.
What it helps with
- Hiding something to fit in
- Feeling different
- Self-acceptance
- Letting others see the real you
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What changed when Norman stopped hiding his wings?”
- “Why do you think Norman hid his wings?”
- “How did the coat make him feel?”
- “Who helped Norman feel OK about his wings?”
- “Is there anything you'd like people to know about you?”
- “What could you say to a friend who feels different?”
5-minute activities to try together
Draw your wings
Each draw yourself with something special that makes you, you, like wings, a superpower or a favourite thing.
Unzip the coat
Talk about one thing your child sometimes keeps hidden, like a hobby or a feeling, and one safe person they could share it with.
Free printables: Perfectly Norman worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Lion Inside (Rachel Bright)
- Best for
- A child who feels too small or too quiet to be noticed
- Age
- 4-7
Giraffes Can’t Dance (Giles Andreae)
- Best for
- A child who measures themselves against what other children can do
- Age
- 4-7
The Snail and the Whale (Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler)
- Best for
- Children who feel small, or too little to make a difference
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.