As a primary school educator, St Sebastian, Jack and The Silver Lining by author Milly Reynolds is a very funny and clever story. The beautiful and unique illustrations alongside modern themes make this book a popular read aloud to children and after each re-reading something new is discovered, either in the words themselves or within the pictures. A well-paced and engaging book for children of all ages.

After reading ‘St Sebastian, Jack and The Silver Lining’ I was left with a smile from ear to ear and more importantly I now find myself saying to my kids, ‘every cloud has a silver lining’.

Besides the fact it was phonetically incredible for kids with the rhyming words, it drew upon reflection within their own world and brought an understanding of self-acceptance to them.

This story is witty and engaging with the main character being easy to love and very relatable. You make it okay to be different, authentic and not perfect. For children this book is a safe place, teaching them it’s ok to be vulnerable and offering them skills to solve their own problems.

The illustrations are humours and draw you into Jack, the main character, who was far from ordinary. I love the way Jack never gives up and is always supported in being different by his friend Sebastian the little rat living in his beard.

The relationship between the two main characters is clearly something very special and reinforces how important it is to have someone to believe in you. Thank you for giving us the privilege to read this book, it is a very memorable read which we all really loved.

Young children will love this quirky tale of the adventures of St Sebastian the rat and his friend Jack. The illustrations are witty, funny and distinctive and the rhyming text is a pleasure to read aloud. Children will love spotting details in the pictures, the characters are appealing and there's lots to talk about. Refreshingly different and a joy to read together

"Beautifully detailed and quirky illustrations with a story to match"

As a children’s book publisher and author services company since 2005 we receive thousands of children’s picture books, and we can honestly say this was a diamond amongst the rough.

This new picture book tells a simple proverb, which is the inspiration behind a very famous saying, in a non-didactic and entertaining way. That alone is refreshing.

Sebastian, the wise rat, Jack the overgrown bearded man and their journey from ridicule to stardom keeps the reader entertained. Written in poetic form it has a fluidity to it that propels the story forward, all the while being entertained by the expressive illustrations.

Overall, this book is a terrific choice for those who want a superbly illustrated picture book that carefully highlights compassion, honesty, and positivity throughout.

5 Stars: I loved it

A new way to look at an everlasting truth. Presented in an amusing format, which will attract the young reader. This book is full of lyrical, rhyming prose which is sure to delight children of all ages. I look forward to reading it to my class.

Teaching children to navigate the modern world is no easy feat. It is SO nice when a book comes along to help teach children lessons about feelings, acceptance and the world around them. St Sebastian, Jack and The Silver Lining brings home the message that we are all different and reminds us different is perfectly okay - because what makes us different makes us unique and tapping into our uniqueness is the sweet spot for sharing our gifts with the world. A fun, illustrative book, full of quirk and character. Up on my shelf it will go with favourites from Graeme Base and Dr Sues!