What Happened to You?
James Catchpole, Karen George
The first ever picture book addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to.
What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off?
Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what happened to his leg? But is this even a question Joe has to answer?
A ground-breaking, funny story that helps children understand what it might feel like to be seen as different.
‘A revolutionary book on disability.’ Inclusive Storytime
’Catchpole’s beautifully judged, child-friendly words ably evoke the fatigue and wariness of repeatedly being asked the same question rather than simply being accepted and allowed to play, while George’s warm images amplify the delight of shared imagination.’ The Guardian
‘Wonderful, delightful and important. […] Not only will it help nondisabled adults and children understand what it is like to be singled out for being different, but it will empower disabled children and help them realise they don’t have to justify themselves to people they don’t know.’ Jen Campbell, bestselling author of Franklin’s Flying Bookshop
‘With beautifully characterful illustrations and plenty of calming white space, it exudes gentle energy and humour to appeal to every child. This is a stunningly clever book.’ BookTrust
‘The beauty of What Happened to You? is its focus on empathy… a brilliant book to open up the conversation with pre-school kids.’ Disability Arts Online
‘A groundbreaking picture book reflecting the world of a visibly disabled child… a funny and very enjoyable read that will nevertheless perform an urgently needed task and generate very useful discussion at home and school.’ LoveReading4Kids
Reviews

I learned empathy
Director Rose Piccalilli 24.08.2024

Joe got angry with all the questions, but then they all played together!
Marshal Pablo Jamboree 07.09.2023

It was a good story but the boy was quite silly.
Sergeant Arthur Manatee 12.08.2023

A great book
Queen Cupcake Paperclip 05.08.2023

Fun story about a boy with one leg who makes lots of friends
Principal Fenella Chipperfield 25.07.2023

I like it. I think the boy was trying to say please stop asking me about my leg.
Viscountess Beany Bouncy-castle 20.07.2023

Star Reviewer

It is great and amazing,
Director Diamond Lanzarote 15.03.2023

It is okay to be different
Empress Birthday-cake Waterfall 04.09.2022

It was interesting book and funny
Anonymous 19.08.2022

epic story. It taught us to be kind to everybody
Anonymous 09.08.2022

It was about a boy called Joe playing his favourite games pirates, crocs ,lions and sharks
Queen Petronella Paddington 17.07.2022

I really liked this book about being kind to those that have disabilities. I liked Joe and the conversations between him and the girl which made me laugh.
Baron Catapult Taramasalata 11.09.2021

I like that all the children played pirates together.
General Flopsy Menace 04.09.2021