The Terrakeet

by Joanna van der Borgh, Jo Beasley (illustrator)

The youngest child of a simple fishing family discovers the truth about the faraway monster they fear in this delightful, imaginative debut.

The Finlock family lives by the Pincer Sea, as peaceful as can be. They spend their days lounging and fishing for fronds to cook in their little copper kettles. It’s an idyllic life, disturbed only by their great fear of the frimbulitic Terrakeet! Luckily, they’ve never seen this carnivorous beast, for it lives beyond Finlock Bay. But one day, when there are no fronds to be found, the youngest Finlock journeys in all directions to search for other delectables . . . and comes face-to-face with the dreaded creature! But would such a terrible monster cry about swarming bees? Would it ask if the lad had been fed? First-time author Jo van der Borgh uses playful invented language to craft a classic story of discovering the true nature of others and making unexpected friends, illustrated with utter charm by Jo Beasley.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Monsters

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I love checking out the new books section when we first walk in and this one looked funny. It’s actually a really sweet book about not judging a book by its cover, believing rumors, and making new friends. The kindness the Terrakeet showed to the little boy changed his whole perspective on a creature he was taught to hate and fear. It was short and sweet with very old school feel illustrations. Would recommend for ages 4+ and would rate it 4/5 stars ⭐️

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A family is stranded on an island and spend their time loafing, fishing, eating and fearing the mythical beast that apparently lives on this island. On a day when no fish are caught, a young child ventures out and comes upon the fearsome creature and finds that the creature is nothing to be feared and returns to the family's camp with it.

A good book about assumptions. Nonsense language might make this a difficult read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming story about a beastly bird that ends up not being scary after all. In fact he's afraid of bees. Good one for a classroom read aloud because of the rhyme. Don't always believe what you hear kinda lesson.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻reviews: this is a cute children’s book tbat had the Dr Seuss’ feel and cute illustration. If this book is read out loud the words have funny meanings and sound. Overall it is a “cute” book about the Finlock and the Terrakeet. Enjoy it!

[L A T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book! My 4 kids, aged 7 to 15, all love it! Fun, creative rhyming words - best read aloud - and whimsical, colourful drawings, not to mention the precious story (with a lovely lesson for all of us), come together beautifully to make this wonderful children's book. Enjoy!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet picture book with an uplifting message. There's a good amount of silly nonsense, which is fun. It feels a little like a classic picture book, but more like it's trying to feel like a classic picture book!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The finlock family lives a simple, peaceful life on the beach. They live in fear of the legendary tarakeet, however. But one day the youngest finlock heads inland and meets him. I wasn't a fan of the poetry, but the plot and artwork were excellent.

[Laura Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

So funny! I couldn't stop laughing! Creative, detailed, humorous illustrations that children will love!

[Sara Lillevand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story. Lovely illustrations. I bought three copies and will get more soon for gifts!

[Maryann Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the message of this book and is delivery with fun words and fantastic illustrations. I work with sick children and look forward to sharing it with them.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun read aloud to my grandchildren with a fantastic moral and beautiful illustrations. They asked for it again and again! Definitely our new favourite book.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADORE! This book is super fun!!!

[Y.Poston]

a great story to help us all revisit stories we make up about others before meeting the "other" face-to-face

[Jenny Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely children’s book with tongue twisting fun rhymes and gorgeous illustrations

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read aloud, there’s a big growl in the middle which is great fun.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A simple fishing family lives by the sea and fears a monster none has seen until one of the children accidentally meets it inland and it is not as believed to be.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic rhyming story with the most beautiful, quirky illustrations. So much fun to read, together, particularly the big growl of the frimbulitic Terrakeet!!!