The Really Beautiful Thing

LoveReading4Kids Says

One of the beautiful things about Frances Tosdevin’s The Really Beautiful Thing is the empathetic, age-appropriate manner in which it imparts its anti-consumerist, anti-greed message i.e. it’s far better to value what you have, and what really matters, than to always want more.  

While Squirrel “loved sharing his home with friends”, with its big bouncy bed and fridge full of food, he has his eye on something more. Something really beautiful that sparkles! He’s not even sure what it is, but still he longs for it — such is the power of consumerism. Unfortunately for Squirrel, the price set by Mr Wolf’s Emporium is beyond his budget, but still he can’t stop thinking about the really beautiful thing, which is how he comes to sell all his possessions, including the home he shared with his friends.   

But, after buying the really beautiful thing he thought would make his life all the better, it dawns on Squirrel that buying it has all-but cost him everything. He has nowhere to live, nowhere to sleep and nothing to eat. Happily, though his friends come to his aid, revealing that those who love are most will remain true, no matter what mistakes we make.

Certain to spark valuable discussion around the fact that we can’t always get what we want, with Ali Pye’s atmospheric illustrations providing little ones with intriguing characterful detail to delight in, The Really Beautiful Thing is a well-told story to share with toddlers who tend not to take no for an answer! Many adults with a shopping habit might take much from it, too.

Joanne Owen

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