The Invisible Boy

(9781582464503)

Written by Trudy Ludwig

Illustrated by Patrice Barton

Published by Rhus Children’s Books

Theme/topic: Friendship, Inclusion, Personal and social skills, and Respectful relationship

Suggested learning area: AC9HPFP02 (Health and Physical Education – Foundation),

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a touching story that highlights the importance of kindness, inclusion, and empathy. Brian, a quiet and overlooked boy, often feels invisible among his classmates—until a new student, Justin, arrives and helps him find his voice. Through expressive illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, the story encourages children to recognise the impact of their actions and words in making others feel valued.

This book provides an opportunity for children to practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others (AC9HPFP02 – Foundation Year, Health and Physical Education). By identifying characters who have been excluded, exploring the reasons behind their exclusion, and discussing how others could have been more inclusive, The Invisible Boy fosters discussions on empathy and belonging. A powerful resource for developing emotional intelligence, this story encourages young readers to build inclusive and compassionate relationships.

RESOURCES BUY

Curriculum Alignment:

These AC codes are suggested purely based on the book’s content and are provided for reference only.

AC9HPFP02 9.0 (Health and Physical Education Foundation): Practise personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others

• explaining their reasons and actions in response to challenging situations in shared play experiences
• identifying characters in texts who have been excluded from a group, exploring why they have been excluded and discussing how other characters could have been more inclusive
• cooperating, collaborating and negotiating with others when participating in physical activities to achieve agreed outcomes
• identifying behaviours that may be disrespectful and cause hurt or harm to others during play

About The Book

From esteemed bullying expert Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton, a picture book about a timely subject.

A gentle story that teaches how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and allow them to flourish, from esteemed author and speaker Trudy Ludwig and acclaimed illustrator Patrice Barton.

A simple act of kindness can transform an invisible boy into a friend…

Meet Brian, the invisible boy. Nobody in class ever seems to notice him or think to include him in their group, game, or birthday party . . . until, that is, a new kid comes to class.

When Justin, the new boy, arrives, Brian is the first to make him feel welcome. And when Brian and Justin team up to work on a class project together, Brian finds a way to shine.

Any parent, teacher, or counselor looking for material that sensitively addresses the needs of quieter children will find The Invisible Boy a valuable and important resource.Includes a discussion guide and resources for further reading.