Nothing Alike

Inspired by #sorrywrongasian, Nothing Alike is a slyly funny picture book for readers aged 3 to 8 years that shines a light on the tricky topic of race, micro-aggressions and stereotyping. In Nothing Alike, a white boy can't tell his two Asian classmates apart. Or can he?

Reuben and his best friend think it's impossible to tell Esmé and Eunwoo apart! They both have the same dark hair, are both short, and they even wear the same school uniform. Except that once Reuben starts to think about it, of course he knows who is who. But the girls have a surprise in store for him. He and his best friend look more alike than they realise!

With the wry humour, child-centredness, and friendship dynamics of Who's Your Real Mum?, Reuben's story will inspire readers to really see people as individuals and motivate them to be better friends.

Nothing Alike is based on a true story, and a common experience among Asians. Author Zewlan Moor was continually mistaken for another Asian writer colleague, despite them looking nothing alike. In a curious twist of fate, Zewlan’s son came home from his new school and could not tell his two Asian classmates apart. And so, her idea for this picture book about race, perception, and stereotyping was born.

• One of The Guardian’s Best Australian Children’s Books of 2023