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The Curiosities
A lyrical and moving story inspired by the people who see the world differently, from the award-winning author of The Bone Sparrow and Wisp.
With the Curiosities, a whole world of wonders and possibles awaits...
Miro wakes one morning to find the world isn't quite the way he thought it was. When the Curiosities choose Miro as the one they nest on, Miro is led to discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no-one else looks. Sometimes though, the Curiosities can make Miro feel alone and invisible in the darkness.
But perhaps Miro isn't as alone as he thinks...
A beautiful celebration of disability, diversity and pride in who you are, from one of Australia's most loved and awarded writers for children.
With the Curiosities, a whole world of wonders and possibles awaits...
Miro wakes one morning to find the world isn't quite the way he thought it was. When the Curiosities choose Miro as the one they nest on, Miro is led to discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no-one else looks. Sometimes though, the Curiosities can make Miro feel alone and invisible in the darkness.
But perhaps Miro isn't as alone as he thinks...
A beautiful celebration of disability, diversity and pride in who you are, from one of Australia's most loved and awarded writers for children.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published September 29, 2021
105 people want to read
About the author
Zana Fraillon
22 books112 followersZana Fraillon is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning author of books for children and young adults. Her work has been published in over 15 countries and is in development for both stage and screen. She has also had pieces published in The Big Issue, The Guardian, Island Magazine, Dark Mountain, Abridged and Sans.Press.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
Zana has degrees in history and teaching and having completed her PhD exploring future ancestorship and everyday engagement with voices from our deep past, she is now officially a doctor of ghosts.
When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across her home city. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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September 25, 2021A gorgeously-illustrated look at people who are a little bit "different". Inspired by the author's child who was diagnosed with Tourette's at 5, this is a story for anyone who has dealt with anxiety, depression, sensorial overwhelm, emotional trauma, and so on.
There is a message here about how handling the thing that makes you different becomes less of a burden when you find others who have experience with those differences in their own lives, and when discussion and exploration is encouraged.
As a creative who is a little bit "different" (emotional trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and suspected ADHD and/or Autism), I feel there was also a message here about finding the things that bring joy, and exploring doing things in your own way, especially when it comes to creativity.
There is a message here about how handling the thing that makes you different becomes less of a burden when you find others who have experience with those differences in their own lives, and when discussion and exploration is encouraged.
As a creative who is a little bit "different" (emotional trauma, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, depression, and suspected ADHD and/or Autism), I feel there was also a message here about finding the things that bring joy, and exploring doing things in your own way, especially when it comes to creativity.
January 8, 2022
An ambitious picture book that seeks to provide a visual representation of the experience of invisible disability. I’m not sure that it works perfectly, but the illustrations and imagery is beautiful.
May 5, 2023
A very interesting picture book that tries to communicate the good and the bad associated with difference. The illustrations are gorgeous, the curiosities themselves fascinating. The author's note at the end explains the inspiration behind the book, which was just a little different from what I imagined. I'm not sure how clear this would be to our younger readers, but in any event it is interesting and beautiful.
June 24, 2025
Beautifully illustrated, this book is a unique look at a child in a traditional indigenous community, and how they may experience neurodivergence. It's filled with magic and wonder, and open-ended enough that audiences can read what they want into it.
November 8, 2021
I absolutely loved Zana Fraillon’s ‘Wisp' and so was expecting another superb and intelligent picture book and she does not disappoint.
Tackling a difficult subject with sensitivity and a brilliant understanding - she has a child with Tourette’s syndrome - The Curiosities is a celebration of seeing the world differently, diversity and embracing difference in all its forms.
The Curiosities - represented by ghostly shaped creatures - have chosen Miro. At first they are barely noticeable, a tingle here, a murmur there. They are even helpful, like a super-power awakening him to the things in the world that others miss, those ‘wonders and possibles’ But gradually the creatures become more obvious until they are all that anyone notices, so much so that Miro the child becomes invisible and people only see him for his differences.
Overwhelmed by the Curiosities, Miro plunges into darkness and it is here that he finds the thread of knowing that not only guides him out of the dark and into the light but also helps him to understand that he is not alone. There are others that have their own Curiosities and they too see and experience the world differently.
The Curiosities is an open invitation to celebrate our own differences and to wholeheartedly embrace and accept the differences of others. We all need to look out for the ‘wonders and the possibles’ in the world, be it swimming with with stars, tickling the songs from the earth, whispering up waves and weaving clouds to make stories like Miro or something else entirely.
This is such a clever book that can be read on many different levels. It is about the rich and wonderful imagination of a young child and finding the wonders in the world. It explores feelings of being different and alone and the associated anxieties, worries and fears that can arise. And it shows how a difference can become less of a burden when you find those that have similar experiences and have a supportive community. Brilliant and heartfelt notes from both author and illustrator will only further aid understanding of the subject matter.
The magic of Fraillon’s storytelling is made even more wondrous and mysterious through the brilliant artwork of Phil Lesnie. Set in an unspecified place, Lesnie has taken his inspiration from Philippine folklore; spirit-like creatures, rice paddies, stilt houses and a wise Elder create a wonderful reading experience.
If we really want children to understand neurodiversity and disability, and to know and accept that we are not all the same, then we need books like this that help readers young and old better understand those that experience a different normal. I’ll leave you with this from Zana’s author’s note, ‘People are disabled not by their impairment or their difference, but by the way they are treated by society.’
A heartfelt thank you to Zana for this beautiful and valuable story and with thanks to Hachette and Lothian Children’s Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 5+.
Tackling a difficult subject with sensitivity and a brilliant understanding - she has a child with Tourette’s syndrome - The Curiosities is a celebration of seeing the world differently, diversity and embracing difference in all its forms.
The Curiosities - represented by ghostly shaped creatures - have chosen Miro. At first they are barely noticeable, a tingle here, a murmur there. They are even helpful, like a super-power awakening him to the things in the world that others miss, those ‘wonders and possibles’ But gradually the creatures become more obvious until they are all that anyone notices, so much so that Miro the child becomes invisible and people only see him for his differences.
Overwhelmed by the Curiosities, Miro plunges into darkness and it is here that he finds the thread of knowing that not only guides him out of the dark and into the light but also helps him to understand that he is not alone. There are others that have their own Curiosities and they too see and experience the world differently.
The Curiosities is an open invitation to celebrate our own differences and to wholeheartedly embrace and accept the differences of others. We all need to look out for the ‘wonders and the possibles’ in the world, be it swimming with with stars, tickling the songs from the earth, whispering up waves and weaving clouds to make stories like Miro or something else entirely.
This is such a clever book that can be read on many different levels. It is about the rich and wonderful imagination of a young child and finding the wonders in the world. It explores feelings of being different and alone and the associated anxieties, worries and fears that can arise. And it shows how a difference can become less of a burden when you find those that have similar experiences and have a supportive community. Brilliant and heartfelt notes from both author and illustrator will only further aid understanding of the subject matter.
The magic of Fraillon’s storytelling is made even more wondrous and mysterious through the brilliant artwork of Phil Lesnie. Set in an unspecified place, Lesnie has taken his inspiration from Philippine folklore; spirit-like creatures, rice paddies, stilt houses and a wise Elder create a wonderful reading experience.
If we really want children to understand neurodiversity and disability, and to know and accept that we are not all the same, then we need books like this that help readers young and old better understand those that experience a different normal. I’ll leave you with this from Zana’s author’s note, ‘People are disabled not by their impairment or their difference, but by the way they are treated by society.’
A heartfelt thank you to Zana for this beautiful and valuable story and with thanks to Hachette and Lothian Children’s Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.
Recommended for 5+.
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November 30, 2021Zara Fraillon contributes another beautiful celebration of diversity and pride in oneself in this exploration of diversity and mental health matters. The central character, Miro, sees the world differently after the Curiosities choose Miro as the one they nest on. Through their presence, Miro discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no-one else looks, but not all that he encounters is marvelous and sometimes Miro feels alone, isolated and invisible in the darkness.
Drawing on her experience as a mother with a child with Tourette's syndome, this story of Milo presents an allegory that explores both the beauty and challenges of being neuro-divergent and finding your way in a world where you see things differently to others.
This is a book that warrants multiple readings to revel in the poetic text and follow the intricacies of the the storyline so magnificently represented in the illustrations. Phil Lesnie's has combined supernatural elements within a real but fractured setting to capture Miro's view of the world. They are mesmerising, almost hypnotic and portray the Curiosities and the way they engaging within Miro's being in multiple ways that hint at the many divergent pathways within the brain.
A sophisticated and challenging picture book that will challenge and enthrall older readers who take the time to delve into its depths.
Drawing on her experience as a mother with a child with Tourette's syndome, this story of Milo presents an allegory that explores both the beauty and challenges of being neuro-divergent and finding your way in a world where you see things differently to others.
This is a book that warrants multiple readings to revel in the poetic text and follow the intricacies of the the storyline so magnificently represented in the illustrations. Phil Lesnie's has combined supernatural elements within a real but fractured setting to capture Miro's view of the world. They are mesmerising, almost hypnotic and portray the Curiosities and the way they engaging within Miro's being in multiple ways that hint at the many divergent pathways within the brain.
A sophisticated and challenging picture book that will challenge and enthrall older readers who take the time to delve into its depths.
April 26, 2022
This absorbing picture book gives substance to a child’s neurodiversity, in the form of creature-shaped Curiosities which follow him. Miro doesn’t know when they will come to him. Sometimes they are quiet, but other times they nestle in his hair, or perch on his shoulders, telling him stories, teaching him about nature, or making music. When they are loud or bright, the Curiosities can be overwhelming. It is only the elder in his community who can help Miro find peace and connection, and make Miro feel that his Curiosities are something to value.
Set in an indigenous Philippine community, the story is magical. Lesnie’s wonderful watercolor art grounds the story in place and also portrays the wispy, ghost-like Curiosities as friendly and integrated into the community. Miro has brown skin and wears a loincloth, and seems to exist in another time. The palm trees and the watery earth around him are portrayed as an ethereal place, and a reader can easily imagine magic happening there.
An author’s note explains that the inspiration for the story was having a child with Tourette’s syndrome. The artist notes that he wanted to interpret the setting as his mother’s native Philippines, with the elder portrayed as a spiritual leader in the village. Families and teachers who want to show a window into living with neurodiversity will want to explore this imaginative book.
Set in an indigenous Philippine community, the story is magical. Lesnie’s wonderful watercolor art grounds the story in place and also portrays the wispy, ghost-like Curiosities as friendly and integrated into the community. Miro has brown skin and wears a loincloth, and seems to exist in another time. The palm trees and the watery earth around him are portrayed as an ethereal place, and a reader can easily imagine magic happening there.
An author’s note explains that the inspiration for the story was having a child with Tourette’s syndrome. The artist notes that he wanted to interpret the setting as his mother’s native Philippines, with the elder portrayed as a spiritual leader in the village. Families and teachers who want to show a window into living with neurodiversity will want to explore this imaginative book.
October 16, 2021
There is one word to describe The Curiosities by Zana Fraillon and Phil Lesnie....
Stunning!
Miro lives in a small villlage. One morning the Curiosities arrive and find a home on Miro. With the Curiosities now a part of him, Miro notices things about the world others can't see. But they can also make him appear different to others, which can leave him feeling alone. An elder notices Miro and helps him learn to navigate the world with the Curiosities.
This book is a celebration of diversity, difference and taking pride in who you are.
Its message is an important one for all of us - about finding beauty in difference and that difference does not mean lesser.
A picture book that is truely for readers of all ages.
I loved the messages from the authors in the back of the book that explain the significance of the story and the illustrations. I feel they really added to the messages of this book and the overall reading experience.
The Curiosities will be available to borrow in the school library soon.
Thanks to @hachetteaus for the review copy of this beautiful picture book
Stunning!
Miro lives in a small villlage. One morning the Curiosities arrive and find a home on Miro. With the Curiosities now a part of him, Miro notices things about the world others can't see. But they can also make him appear different to others, which can leave him feeling alone. An elder notices Miro and helps him learn to navigate the world with the Curiosities.
This book is a celebration of diversity, difference and taking pride in who you are.
Its message is an important one for all of us - about finding beauty in difference and that difference does not mean lesser.
A picture book that is truely for readers of all ages.
I loved the messages from the authors in the back of the book that explain the significance of the story and the illustrations. I feel they really added to the messages of this book and the overall reading experience.
The Curiosities will be available to borrow in the school library soon.
Thanks to @hachetteaus for the review copy of this beautiful picture book
September 30, 2023
Copyright date: 2022
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: fiction, children's lit.
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a boy, Miro, who is followed around by what the book calls curiosities. These curiosities are supposed to represent Tourette's syndrome, which we discover in the author's notes. It describes his life with them, and how others treat him and see him.
Use for future classroom: I am not sure if I would use this book in the classroom. I think it is kind of confusing because I wasn't really sure what the curiosities were until I read the note in the back of the book, and I feel like it could be confusing for kids. However if I had a kid with Tourette's syndrome I might consider it for a read aloud and also read the notes from the author so they could understand the context of the book better.
Thoughts of book: I liked the imagery throughout the book, but I feel as though the story could have been told in a better way. I like the idea of the curiosities, but it took me a while to see how they relate to Tourettes syndrome.
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: fiction, children's lit.
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a boy, Miro, who is followed around by what the book calls curiosities. These curiosities are supposed to represent Tourette's syndrome, which we discover in the author's notes. It describes his life with them, and how others treat him and see him.
Use for future classroom: I am not sure if I would use this book in the classroom. I think it is kind of confusing because I wasn't really sure what the curiosities were until I read the note in the back of the book, and I feel like it could be confusing for kids. However if I had a kid with Tourette's syndrome I might consider it for a read aloud and also read the notes from the author so they could understand the context of the book better.
Thoughts of book: I liked the imagery throughout the book, but I feel as though the story could have been told in a better way. I like the idea of the curiosities, but it took me a while to see how they relate to Tourettes syndrome.
January 16, 2022
This is a book for older primary school kids. Younger kids could be confused with the imaginary spiritual beings because the book’s language is too complex for them. However, if the author explained why the boy feels these spirits, then younger kids may understand this book.
This book was inspired by it’s author who saw a need to describe and explain how her son experiences life with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological health condition with constant jerky body movements and sounds called tics. It is great that the author shares this information at the end of the book. It would help younger kids if this information was explained In the story text.
A young boy (Miro) attracts animal and human spirits (the Curiosities) that no one else can see or feel. He experiences wonders and possibilities in shadows. They become everyday experiences. Some may see them as imaginary friends of Miro because many children have imaginary friends at a younger age.
Miro helps other people to notice the curiosities. Sometimes they are annoying and Miro feels invisible, At times Miro wants quietness but the curiosities refuse to be quiet.
Miro meets an elder who helps Miro. At times Miro feels ok with the curiosities, other times NO.
In summary, if the story text described and explained Tourette Syndrome, than the explanation of the spirits (the Curiosities) would be linked with the medical condition. This would help readers to understand this book.
This book was inspired by it’s author who saw a need to describe and explain how her son experiences life with Tourette Syndrome, a neurological health condition with constant jerky body movements and sounds called tics. It is great that the author shares this information at the end of the book. It would help younger kids if this information was explained In the story text.
A young boy (Miro) attracts animal and human spirits (the Curiosities) that no one else can see or feel. He experiences wonders and possibilities in shadows. They become everyday experiences. Some may see them as imaginary friends of Miro because many children have imaginary friends at a younger age.
Miro helps other people to notice the curiosities. Sometimes they are annoying and Miro feels invisible, At times Miro wants quietness but the curiosities refuse to be quiet.
Miro meets an elder who helps Miro. At times Miro feels ok with the curiosities, other times NO.
In summary, if the story text described and explained Tourette Syndrome, than the explanation of the spirits (the Curiosities) would be linked with the medical condition. This would help readers to understand this book.
August 1, 2022
An illuminating story that ambitiously attempts to give a visual representation to invisible disability and celebrate neurodiversity.
Explored through vivid, flowing language and illustrations that are based on Philippino folklore we see how a young boy named Miro experiences his neurological disorder and how he finds comfort in an elderly community member who is like him. The story was inspired by the authors son, who was diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of 5.
My children and I got swept up in Miro's story and the whimsical illustrations! This picture book is sure to encourage more conversations, questions and understanding around disability and neurodiversity.
Thank You @greystonekidsbooks
for sending us this book opinions are my own.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
Explored through vivid, flowing language and illustrations that are based on Philippino folklore we see how a young boy named Miro experiences his neurological disorder and how he finds comfort in an elderly community member who is like him. The story was inspired by the authors son, who was diagnosed with Tourette's at the age of 5.
My children and I got swept up in Miro's story and the whimsical illustrations! This picture book is sure to encourage more conversations, questions and understanding around disability and neurodiversity.
Thank You @greystonekidsbooks
for sending us this book opinions are my own.
For more of my book content check out instagram.com/bookalong
October 5, 2025
This was a very beautifully illustrated book that blends Indigenous folklore from the Philippines with the story of a boy named Miro to represent neurodiversity/invisible disabilities. At times the Curiosities are friendly and energizing, and other times they are overwhelming and stressful. Miro begins his journey of peace and acceptance when he is mentored by the village elder who understands what he experiences. It was a heartwarming story with an analogy that worked pretty well, though I’d have to research the specific folklore figures to better understand the unspoken meanings. I also loved the vibrants browns and oranges that the illustrator used to bring this story alive. It made the translucent white Curiosities pop even more.
July 12, 2022
What a beautifully written children's book.
I read this with my young niece and nephew over the weekend and then had master 12 also read it and they all enjoyed the book for such different reasons. The joy I saw when I read it to the little ones was beautiful, and master 12 also was able to reflect on his experience and really loved learning about Miro and how the curiosities affected Miro's mood.
Loved the opportunity to read this one.
I read this with my young niece and nephew over the weekend and then had master 12 also read it and they all enjoyed the book for such different reasons. The joy I saw when I read it to the little ones was beautiful, and master 12 also was able to reflect on his experience and really loved learning about Miro and how the curiosities affected Miro's mood.
Loved the opportunity to read this one.
August 11, 2023
A story told from the point of view of a neuro-diverse child who see's the world differently to everyone else. He lives in a culture with elders and is comforted by their presence. People find him strange, but when he accepts what he is and can see he can see the beauty in the world around him in a different way to everyone else.
These Illustrations are so beautiful I just cant stop staring at them!
Shortlisted for the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year 2023 - Ages 5-8
These Illustrations are so beautiful I just cant stop staring at them!
Shortlisted for the Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year 2023 - Ages 5-8
September 11, 2022
This is such a cool and unique book! I love how the author and illustrator use the Phillipino tradition of aswang to depict the unique experiences of a child with Tourette's syndrome, showing both the challenges and the gifts that come with difference. The illustrations are magical and evocative. A great choice for anyone who feels different or is interested in the culture of the Phillipines.
October 18, 2022
The Curiosities are small (and then not so small) creatures that join Miro one day and show him how to explore and be free. Together, they celebrate life. Somehow, they grow too large and too loud until an Elder offers him a connection point to find peace. He then sees how everyone is connected and finds a way to balance and become.
The book is wordy but lets readers do their own thinking.
The book is wordy but lets readers do their own thinking.
January 15, 2023
Beautiful illustrations and a good metaphor- It didn't make sense right away, but came together for me when the child became overstimulated. I think that's how visualizations like this should work, so there is still a story to draw in young readers. A bit vague at times due to the poetic nature of the story, but still very well done.
March 31, 2023
inspiring read
This amazing story of the acceptance of neurodiversity is inspiring. Building on traditional Pilipino storytelling and the understanding of the fact that we are all different.
The story tells how the characters life is impacted by the curiosities, the good and the challenges that they bring everyday.
Excellent story and amazing resource for schools
This amazing story of the acceptance of neurodiversity is inspiring. Building on traditional Pilipino storytelling and the understanding of the fact that we are all different.
The story tells how the characters life is impacted by the curiosities, the good and the challenges that they bring everyday.
Excellent story and amazing resource for schools
January 31, 2025
A great book to help explain neurodivergence in children. The author wrote this book for her own child with Tourette’s syndrome. I believe children would be able to understand the message of this book. The illustrations are also beautiful.
Want to read
October 8, 2021Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
November 17, 2021
An interesting story but was a little long/wordy.
November 19, 2021
This is just lovely. The illustrations are wonderful and it's a beautiful story.
January 1, 2022
Visually stunning, a beautiful story, and this must be nominated for best picture book for CBCA.
July 16, 2022
The allegory didn't translate well for me, but the illustrations were incredible.
July 26, 2022
A really cool way of addressing neurodivergency
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August 15, 2022
I love the art, and the concept! This was a very strange book though. I feel like a lot of younger children would not understand it unless someone explained it to them.
September 3, 2022
The illustrations were so beautiful!
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October 17, 2022exploration of Philippines folklore
November 4, 2022
A wonderful story full of amazing illustrations. Nicely done.
November 23, 2022
I like the illustrations more than the text.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews