'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday 8 February 2023

Review: Brain Is (Not) Always Right

Being yourself is an important message for children and adults, and one that features in many books including this fabulous new picture book from bestselling author and illustrator Scott Stuart.
Brain Is (Not) Always Right shares the story of two characters represented by a heart and a brain, and explores how approaching life from emotional and intellectual perspectives may differ, but one is not better than the other.

Heart is creative, loves puppies and fashion, and will jump right aboard when there's a chance to ride a roller coaster. Brain is a super-sensible list maker who doesn't take risks and wants to get things right all of the time.

When Heart wants to learn to play the trumpet and dreams of becoming a famous performer, Brain is not keen. In fact, Brain’s response is an outright no because it may not be perfect and people might laugh. 

Heart is devastated. 

Brain is always right, so playing the trumpet must not be for Heart. The impact of this on Heart and how Brain ultimately reacts is simple yet so real. We should use both our brain and our heart.

Scott Stuart's illustrations are bright and uncomplicated. Even without the words you can tell what's happening and what the characters are feeling. The change in colour and typeface also help to communicate the story.

Brain Is (Not) Always Right reminds us that we might easily crush someone’s spirit if we’re not careful and keep telling them they’re wrong or not good enough, and that we’re all unique and should be ourselves.

Whatever your approach to life, spontaneous or planned, creative, emotional, planned, perfectionist, risk taker or risk averse or something else, this heartfelt and carefully considered book is for you. 

Everyone should read Brain Is (Not) Always Right.

Title: Brain Is (Not) Always Right
Author/Illustrator: Scott Stuart
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $26.99
Publication Date: February 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761204685
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book