Lefty: A Story That Is Not All Right

A bold, theatrical logos follows Lefty and Righty, two bespeckled hand puppets, as they guide readers through the surprising and often absurd history of left-handedness. Acting much like a Greek Chorus on a stage, the narrative blends humour and history to explore how left-handedness was once stigmatised and misunderstood, all while delivering a heartwarming message to left-handed children about embracing their uniqueness.

As expected, Willems’ text is packed with wit, delivering historical facts in a theatrical, light-hearted tone that will make readers smile. His narrative transforms the history of left-handedness into a playful allegory for modern issues of identity and acceptance. For instance, Lefty’s frustration at always being ‘wrong’ humorously parallels societal biases, offering young readers a relatable and light-hearted way to reflect on prejudices and celebrate individuality.

Using his own hands as models for the photographed puppets, Santat integrates them into bright, mixed-media backdrops. Each historical setting—from Greek antiquity to medieval villages to 1950s classrooms—is brought to life with art styles that cleverly mirror the aesthetic of the era. Speech cut-outs for the puppets add another playful layer, blending with the dynamic spreads. The vivid colours and energetic staging of the hands burst with movement and vibrancy, while the more contemplative historical scenarios slow the pace, encouraging readers to pause and absorb the richness of the settings.

The book’s aesthetic is as clever as its message, with the hands acting as storytellers, seamlessly guiding readers through history with Willems’ sharp prose and Santat’s inventive art. Both educational and entertaining, this is a vibrant fusion of history and humour. Whether you’re a proud lefty, a steadfast righty, or somewhere in between, this story reminds readers that no one should ever feel left out.