Nothing Alike

Inspired by #sorrywrongasian, Nothing Alike is a slyly funny story about a white boy who can't tell two Asian girls apart in his classroom. 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 like than they realise!

In this masterful picture book about race and perception, Nothing Alike shines a light on the tricky topic of micro-aggressions and stereotyping, with the wry humour, child-centredness and friendship dynamics of Who's Your Real Mum?. Can Reuben learn to really see the girls as individuals and thereby be a better friend?

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 of this picture book about race, perception and stereotyping was born.

About the Author

Zewlan Moor (pronounced Shoolen) is a Brisbane-based GP with an English Literature degree. She writes playful children's books, some of which are based on her Filipino-Australian heritage.

About the Illustrator

Peter Cheong spent several years in the Australian army before pursuing a career in illustration. He currently resides in Perth (Whadjuk Region), Western Australia with his amazing wife and baby (and cat), creating characters and telling their stories.