A magical story about the power of a child’s imagination to free him from the tyranny of a brutalizing father. Thomas’s father imposes a reign of terror on his family through punishment and violence. Although Thomas suffers physical abuse, he keeps his mind clear by imagining a host of wonderful things which he records in his Book of Everything. Through this record, he is determined to find happiness. And he does in this uplifting story about the crushing of bullying and bigotry.
Reading Guide available to download for this title.
Thomas's strictly religious father rules the house with his fists, and insists the family live according to the Bible. But Thomas has an escape route. He sees incredible things that no one else notices, like the tropical fish swimming in the canal. His biggest ambition is to be happy. But will that ever be possible with his father around?
Guus Kuijer (pronounced "Hoose Ky-yer") is one of the Netherlands' best-known and best-beloved writers, with published work spanning short-story collections, novels for children and adults, stage plays, and television scripts. His Polleke series has been made into a feature film. Guus lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
In 2012 he was awarded the Astrid Lindgren memorial Award. His books have been translated into more than ten languages, including English, Swedish, German, Italian and Japanese. The judges praised Kuijer’s ‘unprejudiced gaze and a sharp intellect” and his ability to “combine serious subject matter and razor-sharp realism with warmth, subtle humour, and visionary flights of fancy.”
Shortlisted for the Marsh Award 2006.