Rufus, The Bat Who Loved Colors
Author: Tomi Ungerer
Illustrator: Tomi Ungerer
Publisher: Phaidon, 2015 (originally 1961)
Publisher’s recommended age: 4+
This classic from author-illustrator Tomi Ungerer tells the story of Rufus, a bat who falls in love with the colours of day-time. When he proudly paints himself bright, he is shouted at and shot at by hostile crowds who are frightened when they aren’t able to easily categorise him. Rufus is rescued by someone who sees him as he really is and gives him space to be as he likes. When he eventually realises he wants to live in the night time, their friendship lasts. Printed on matte pages, the bright colours and black night are beautifully rendered in simple, engaging lines. A fun bed-time read, Ungerer’s story also opens up to reflections on curiousity and exploration, xenophobia and inclusion, acceptance, respect, friendship and self-awareness.
Available Languages: English, Italian, French, Galician, Spanish, Catalan, Japanese, German