Rory's Room of Rectangles

Rory loves his dad and step-dad, Tony. He spends weekends with Dad in the park and makes imaginary dens with him. When Father's Day comes, he is confused about who to make his card for. Tony spends his rainy-day pennies to take Rory to an art gallery, where Rory sees his conflicting feelings reflected in the powerful colors of the rectangles. After a chance encounter with Dad, Rory realizes that he doesn't have to feel torn between his parents. The book is praised for its realistic and honest portrayal of the conflicting emotions experienced by children with parents and stepparents, and is perfect for children in KS1.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Owlet Press

Rory's love for his dad is unwavering, but he also holds a special place in his heart for his step-dad, Tony. During the weekends, Rory eagerly spends time with his dad in the park, creating imaginary dens together. As Father's Day approaches, Rory finds himself torn between whom to make his card for at school.

Recognizing Rory's frustration, Tony decides to use his rainy-day pennies to take Rory on an unexpected adventure—a visit to an art gallery. As they wander through the vast room filled with colorful rectangles, Rory's conflicting emotions come to the forefront. It's a powerful moment, as he sees his inner turmoil reflected in the artwork.

Later, during a chance encounter with his dad under a red sky, Rory realizes that he doesn't have to feel torn between his two fathers. He understands that they both love him unconditionally and that he can celebrate Father's Day with both of them.

This touching story, written by Catherine Johnson, is praised for its realistic and honest portrayal of the conflicting emotions experienced by children with parents and stepparents. It's a perfect book for children in KS1, allowing them to see their own realities reflected and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of family relationships.

Through Rory's journey, readers are reminded that love knows no boundaries and that it's possible to have multiple loving figures in one's life. Tony's selfless act of taking Rory to the art gallery not only strengthens their bond but also teaches Rory a valuable lesson about self-acceptance and embracing the diversity of love in his family.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 239 x 241 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913339487