First time South Australian author, Tom Skinner, has written an improbable world first – an autobiography in a children’s picture book! A self-proclaimed ‘square peg’ Tom writes under the motto of creating a 'tom-tom beat for little feet' and breathes new life into children’s books. His book Round Fish Square Bowl places a positive light on being different. Clichés like the clumsiness of a ‘bull in a china shop’ or being ‘as mad as a hatter’ are turned around to become positive and desirable traits. Tom says his book is all about celebrating people’s differences and providing children with a resilient message to reflect on as they grow up. 'I wanted to create a picture book that not only amused and entertained children but also helped them to find their place in the world,' Tom says. 'Having experienced the difficulties of being seen as different from an early age I decided to use this experience as my motivation  — to help my readers to embrace the positives of being different rather than being scarred by it.' 'Feeling like a ‘fish out of water’ or a ‘square peg in a round hole’ can be an opportunity for self awareness and a chance to grow with grace and courage,' Tom says. Child Neuropsychologist, Dr Rachel Roberts, agrees that Round Fish Square Bowl offers a wonderful message for children and an invaluable tool for parents. 'It provides an entertaining way for parents and carers to support children to be proud of the qualities which make them who they are, and to cherish their individuality,' Rachel said.  'Helping children to  discover that they are indeed unique and to accept and cherish their own distinctive qualities is a very important message for young children to learn,' she concluded. Tom Skinner has his mother to thank for his refreshing and empowering view of the world. 'For years I thought being different was wrong and needed to be corrected. If it wasn’t for my mum’s gentle encouragement, I’m sure I’d be just another tired, middle-aged man,' he says. A former postman with a degree in journalism, Tom has dramatically changed his life to pursue his dream to write fun, bright and colourful books with strong, positive messages for his readers. The book is illustrated by 2002 Crichton Award winner, Mini Goss, who brings alive the pages with her colourful and detailed drawings. For more media information please contact: tom@tomtombooks.com    The Advertiser 23 September 2006 Round Fish Square Bowl looks at feeling different and points out that ugly ducklings can turn into beautiful swans, stubborness can be a lifesaving trait, the little pig can, on occasion, overcome the wolf and the slow tortoise beats the hare, while the empty-pocketed church mouse may well enjoy a different kind of wealth. Reviewed by: Katharine England