Overview

The Thing at 52 is a touching and beautifully illustrated story about a young girl who befriends a lonely monster who lives on her street. There's a Thing on my street. He lives at number 52. I see him sitting in his garden when I walk to school. On her way to school one day, she saw him. He was big and lumbering and a wore a tiny little top hat perched on top of his rather large head. It wasn't long before their friendship bloomed... the Thing gentle and kind and the adventures they went on were the best she could ever imagine. But one day the Thing has to go and their adventures come to an end.All Things have to go sometime... Written by one of the UKs best-loved childrens authors, Ross Montgomery, and illustrated by the incredible Richard Johnson, this is a poignant story about loneliness, friendship, community and change.

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9780711279148

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Reviews

"'A gentle picture book in soft focus and glowing colours about a child who befriends and loses a lonely creature in her neighbourhood. A compassionate and inspiring story.' * The Sunday Times * ""a truly beautiful book that will cause many an insightful conversation between a young child and their parent, or teacher, when read together."" * The Independent Children's Book of the Week * “A young girl befriends a monster in this poignant exploration of loneliness which is stunningly illustrated by Richard Johnson.” * The Bookseller * “What a wonderful way to introduce the concept of loss, memories and new beginnings to children.” * Grief Encounter * ""a beautiful story about loneliness, loss and then moving on.”  * Marmalade Trust * ""The Thing at 52 is a beautifully illustrated book and a very simple but meaningful story covering issues such as loneliness, befriending, loss, kindness, acceptance, friendship. The book I am sure would be enjoyed by young children, and also a starting point to look at some of the important issues mentioned and discuss these topics with them. Some of these conversations are not always easy to introduce and the book and its outstanding illustrations are a delight and a good way of raising these subjects."" * SupportLine * “Each page is stunningly illustrated and so pleasing to the eye, which everyone will enjoy.” * The Herald * ""Heartwarming and insightful.” * The Sunday Post * ""Powerfully atmospheric and bursting with soft colour, Richard Johnson's pencil illustrations create a world that shines with emotion."" * Books for Keeps *"

“A young girl befriends a monster in this poignant exploration of loneliness which is stunningly illustrated by Richard Johnson.” * The Bookseller *

Author Information

Ross Montgomery has worked as a farmer, a postman, and a school teacher, so writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, and it taught him pretty much everything that's worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you'd find empty chip packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface. Richard Johnson is an illustrator whose picture books are published by Penguin, Faber & Faber, Macmillan, DK and many other publishers. His work is deeply thoughtful and conjures powerful atmospheres with detailed, delicate pencil strokes.

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