Description

A Schneider Family Book Award Honor book! This accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer.

What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? A boy named Joe is trying to play pirates at the playground, but he keeps being asked what happened to his leg. Bombarded with questions and silly suggestions, Joe becomes more and more fed up…until the kids finally understand they don't need to know what happened. And that they’re wasting valuable playtime!

Based on the author’s real childhood experiences, this honest, funny, and authentic picture book is an empowering read for anyone with a disability, and for young readers learning how best to address differences.

What Happened to You? Educator Guide

Meet The Author: James Catchpole

James Catchpole runs the Catchpole Agency with his wife, Lucy, and is the author of What Happened to You? Lucy Catchpole writes about disability, family, and children’s books and has written for the BBC and the Guardian, in addition to running the Catchpole Agency with James. The Catchpoles live in the United Kingdom with their two young daughters and invite you to visit them online at thecatchpoles.net or whathappenedtoyou.co.uk, and on Instagram @thecatchpoles.

Karen George received a first-class honors degree in fine art as well as an MA from the Royal College of Art. She won Waterstones’ “Picture This” competition to illustrate Freddie and the Fairy and now spends her time drawing, painting, and writing. Karen lives in Bristol with her family and Dr. Calamari the cat. She invites you to visit her online at karengeorge.net and on Instagram @karengeorge_books.

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