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Hector the Collector
“A sweet and child-sensitive addition to any picture-book collection.” —Kirkus Reviews
When Hector comes across an acorn, he discovers a love for collecting them in all shapes and sizes.
They were all different.
They were all the same.
They were all beautiful.
One day his teacher finds his desk filled with acorns, and his classmates make fun of poor Hector. But they soon learn that all collections are special—whether coins, stuffed animals, songs, or seashells—and that some collections are also meant for sharing, like the paintings in an art museum or the books at a public library.
Hector the Collector is a charming and evocative story that celebrates the joy of collecting and how collections can grow into the most breathtaking museums in the world.
When Hector comes across an acorn, he discovers a love for collecting them in all shapes and sizes.
They were all different.
They were all the same.
They were all beautiful.
One day his teacher finds his desk filled with acorns, and his classmates make fun of poor Hector. But they soon learn that all collections are special—whether coins, stuffed animals, songs, or seashells—and that some collections are also meant for sharing, like the paintings in an art museum or the books at a public library.
Hector the Collector is a charming and evocative story that celebrates the joy of collecting and how collections can grow into the most breathtaking museums in the world.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published July 4, 2017
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 23, 2020
A book for young and old alike that celebrates collections and collectors. We all collect something and it isn't always physical objects. It might be songs in our head, or favorite Bible verses. It could be postcards or teddy bears. Our collections might be public or private. They are all beautiful, interesting, or strange, and belong together in their own way. A wonderful book that makes you feel good about your own collections, no matter what they may be, and makes you want to share them with the world.
March 15, 2019
When Hector stumbles upon an acorn on his walk to school, he is so struck by it that he puts it in his pocket. Soon he is collecting acorns, admiring the ways in which they differ - color, texture, size - and appreciating the way in which they are the same. Then his teacher opens his desk at school, and his collection of acorns is revealed, to the ridicule of all. Has Hector lost all credit with his classmates, or will they turn out to have some collecting habits of their own...?
Although I've honestly never thought about collecting as a category of behavior, there's no doubt that I'm a bit of a collector myself - at least when it comes to books! - so I ended up finding Hector the Collector a charming tale. Author Emily Beeny is an art historian and museum curator, and it is clear that this informs her narrative here, in her debut children's book. Her afterword, in which she talks about the different collections, from the personal to the public, will get young children thinking, not just about how we collect things, but about how we categorize them. The artwork by Stephanie Graegin is colorful and appealing. Recommended to all the young collectors out there, whether it is stamps or buttons (or anything else) that interests them.
Although I've honestly never thought about collecting as a category of behavior, there's no doubt that I'm a bit of a collector myself - at least when it comes to books! - so I ended up finding Hector the Collector a charming tale. Author Emily Beeny is an art historian and museum curator, and it is clear that this informs her narrative here, in her debut children's book. Her afterword, in which she talks about the different collections, from the personal to the public, will get young children thinking, not just about how we collect things, but about how we categorize them. The artwork by Stephanie Graegin is colorful and appealing. Recommended to all the young collectors out there, whether it is stamps or buttons (or anything else) that interests them.
January 28, 2019
Hector picks up acorns because they're beautiful. They're all the same, they're all different, they're all beautiful. When kids at school laugh at him because his acorns have taken over his desk, his teacher introduces them to the concept of a collection. I liked how this took the idea of individual collections and then expanded it to introduce the idea of museum and library collections.
Notes on representation: all of the characters are animals.
Notes on representation: all of the characters are animals.
August 1, 2017
I found this on a recent library trip, and I really enjoyed it. It, coincidentally, was the second book I picked up featuring bears - but that's beyond the point of reviewing this. I was in a mood for stories featuring bears, I supposes. The illustrations in this are simple, and have an older feel to them as you flip the pages throughout the story. The title gives the main premise - it's about Hector who likes to collect things. Everyone collects things . . . Some collections might seem strange to others, but you can learn about people - their likes, interests, past, etc. from what they choose to collect. Some of the story put me in mind to Ira Sleeps Over, and that's always a strong connection for me in a new picture book!
November 12, 2018
The art is super cute, sketchy linework, with wooden pencil colors. It focuses on Hector, a little dog, that loves to collect acorns, all different kinds. The story uses the idea that we all collect something, and each of those collections is unique and different, and the book uses this to teach how we shouldn't laugh or judge someone just cause they do something differently than us. It's sweet and simple and easy to understand so I think it's great for most kids that are getting into that age where they can sit still for a story.
March 11, 2019
This is another book on the 2018 2X@ list. The pictures are beautiful and the story is important. Hector collects acorns. We learn how his collection started and why he chooses some of them. Then his classmates learn of his collection and he get embarrassed. However, his teacher chooses to use this as a teaching moment and guides the students in a discussion about collecting things. She tells them about the places they can go to see public collections, such as libraries and museums. The purpose of the story is summed up well in the last few lines: "Every collection was different. Every collection was the same. Every collection is beautiful." Just like us!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2017
This book is would be a great introduction to collections. It is well written and engaging for students.
August 25, 2020
A cute book about the different kinds of collections people have and the value of them.
March 31, 2021
LFL find. I don't think of myself as a collector, and I think that most of them are trash, but Beeny has enlightened me. And I guess you could count my books as a a collection, at least the ones on my "keep forever" shelf. Charming book.
February 21, 2018
From baseball cards to Pez dispensers, from stamps to stuffed animals, almost everyone collects something. On the way to school one day Hector plucks a smooth, brown acorn out of a crack in the sidewalk. Then he notices a skinny, green acorn and a short, chubby acorn and decides to stuff them in his pocket along with the first acorn. Before he knows it he has an acorn collection taking up residence in his school desk. When his classmates find out about all of the acorns they tease him and Hector becomes embarrassed, but their wise teacher prompts the students to think about their own collections, which helps them to understand that their collections are all different, they are all the same, and they are all beautiful. There are large collections meant for lots of people to enjoy, like museums and libraries, and there are collections meant to bring joy to just one person. This sweet picture book has many layers and will have students begging to share their collections with the class. It also teaches an important message in a fairly subtle way. A valuable addition to any school library collection!
August 2, 2017
Charming and relatable for any child or adult. I am a collector of books, music, PEZ dispensers and Chuck Taylor high tops in a variety of colors.
July 29, 2017
Colorful illustrations with a nostalgic feel complement a story that delivers an important message about differences that might also be the same in certain ways. I'm betting many readers will be able to relate to this simple yet poignant story about a collector with a unique collection. Hector becomes fascinated by a brown acorn he happens upon while heading to school. He notices its size, shape, texture, and color, and he's hooked. His initial interest grows and becomes a passion, and as he collects more and more acorns, he observes how much they are alike and yet how different they are. Over time, he collects several, and puts them in his desk. After his collection is revealed, Hector's classmates make fun of him until his teacher intervenes and prompts him to explain his reasons for collecting the acorns. Eventually, the others describe some of the things they collect--sea glass, photographs, even stamps. As the story concludes, readers are reminded that some collections become so large or so valuable that they must be housed in larger structures such as museums or libraries and that some personal collections such as artwork even end up being shared with everyone and not just the collector. I liked the fact that the teacher uses the situation as a teachable moment so that her young charges come to realize that collecting things is quite common and that they need not ridicule Hector. I also appreciated having the Author's Note that expands on the notion of collecting while highlighting some museums that youngsters might want to visit in order to take a look at their contents and marvel at what has been collected there. The end papers feature various objects that might be collected, including shells, keys, coins, photographs, butterflies, and buttons. For anyone looking for a hobby or something to collect, this might be a great place to start. I know my mother loved teaching and collected those school bells that were once found on teachers' desks as she went about her travels.
November 7, 2017
SUMMARY
“It all began with an acorn…” Hector begins to collect acorns of all colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. When his desk begins to overflow with acorns, his classmates laugh at him. Their teacher seizes the opportunity to teach the class about the value in being a “collector,” and Hector enlightens them by sharing his collection with them. Each student reveals that they, too, have a collection of some sort. Collections in museums and libraries belong to everyone. The class and the reader learn that “All collections are different, but also the same, and every collection is beautiful.”
ACTIVITIES
1) Higher grade levels: Ask students to identify the literary devices in the story (i.e.: The other was short and chubby, like an old man with his hat pulled over his eyes; Two were as green as apples; Two were brown and grainy like wood; One was golden and smooth like polished stone).
2) Research the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum, and others mentioned in the story, along with other museums and libraries (local and abroad). What collections are held there? What do they have in common? How are they different? Read the Author’s Note in the back of the book to teach the class about museums around the world, and expand from there!
3) Show and Tell: Students bring in their own collections (either ones they already have or initiated after the story), and/or start a class collection (a great way to incorporate science and nature).
4) “They were all different. They were all the same. They were all beautiful.” - These lines are repeated three times in the story. What does this mean? When is it repeated? Why is it repeated? Can we apply these sentences to people?
CITATION
Beeny, E. & Graegin, S. (2017). Hector the collector. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.
“It all began with an acorn…” Hector begins to collect acorns of all colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. When his desk begins to overflow with acorns, his classmates laugh at him. Their teacher seizes the opportunity to teach the class about the value in being a “collector,” and Hector enlightens them by sharing his collection with them. Each student reveals that they, too, have a collection of some sort. Collections in museums and libraries belong to everyone. The class and the reader learn that “All collections are different, but also the same, and every collection is beautiful.”
ACTIVITIES
1) Higher grade levels: Ask students to identify the literary devices in the story (i.e.: The other was short and chubby, like an old man with his hat pulled over his eyes; Two were as green as apples; Two were brown and grainy like wood; One was golden and smooth like polished stone).
2) Research the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum, and others mentioned in the story, along with other museums and libraries (local and abroad). What collections are held there? What do they have in common? How are they different? Read the Author’s Note in the back of the book to teach the class about museums around the world, and expand from there!
3) Show and Tell: Students bring in their own collections (either ones they already have or initiated after the story), and/or start a class collection (a great way to incorporate science and nature).
4) “They were all different. They were all the same. They were all beautiful.” - These lines are repeated three times in the story. What does this mean? When is it repeated? Why is it repeated? Can we apply these sentences to people?
CITATION
Beeny, E. & Graegin, S. (2017). Hector the collector. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.
July 23, 2024
This was a cute story with great illustrations, but I wasn’t wowed by the plot and it ended very abruptly. The themes/messages were only vaguely stated (in terms of it being a kids’ book, where messages need to be pretty obvious for kids to understand it). No one apologized to Hector for embarrassing him about his acorns, which I thought was unkind.
The message about his collection seemed to be that things can be both different and similar and that that is great (which felt a bit vague and like they were tiptoeing around extrapolating that to a bigger concept like the uniqueness and similarity of people), and the book also suggested that it’s great to collect any kind of item. However, I felt that the kindness message could have been more clearly stated since the teasing was so clearly stated in the text.
The message about his collection seemed to be that things can be both different and similar and that that is great (which felt a bit vague and like they were tiptoeing around extrapolating that to a bigger concept like the uniqueness and similarity of people), and the book also suggested that it’s great to collect any kind of item. However, I felt that the kindness message could have been more clearly stated since the teasing was so clearly stated in the text.
September 6, 2017
Hector discovers one day that he likes to collect My Little Ponies, he likes that they all have different cutie marks and mane colors. Oh Wait... That's me! I like to collect MLP! Hector likes Acorns. I think that's an... interesting thing to collect, but who am I to judge? Anyway, he keeps his collection at school and the other kids tease him until the giraffe teacher tells them to knock it off, after all, they all have weird things they like to collect, like belly button lint or something.
But in all seriousness, this is a cute book that tells readers that it's okay to collect things, that a lot of us do it, and it's fun to see what different people collect.
But in all seriousness, this is a cute book that tells readers that it's okay to collect things, that a lot of us do it, and it's fun to see what different people collect.
April 21, 2018
Funny side note: Every time I read the title of this one I just kept thinking of Hannibal Lector... Obviously this book isn't anything like that but that's just what my mind kept going to.
January 4, 2024
I loved this book. The art style is incredible and so dark academia, while also being so child-friendly and whimsical. I will say, my only disappointment was that the message of the book ended up being that people have collections just like museums, and not that everyone is unique and special in their own way, which would have been fine if I didn't feel like the book was trying to make that message, and then didn't. Still, I really enjoyed this book, and I really enjoyed seeing a wide variety of interests and collections. I'd still recommend this book to everyone with little kids.
October 4, 2017
Cute book - about collections of all kinds, and what might draw somebody to a certain thing. Also a little bit about not making fun of others' collections, because it might be important to them. (Which is a good lesson for me, as I was about to make a note that not all collections are beautiful, but I guess even the person who collects earwax thinks it's important, so.....)
I collected penguins for a very long time. Not sure what I really collect now. Books. :p
I collected penguins for a very long time. Not sure what I really collect now. Books. :p
January 28, 2018
Hector serendipitously finds an acorn one day and his collection begins! It soon outgrows his pockets and moves into his desk. He loves looking at his acorns and noting what is different about them and also how they are the same. One day, his teacher finds his collection. The class laughs at his desk full of acorns but his teacher, being very wise, turns the discovery into a teachable moment. "Every collection is different. Every collection is the same. Just like all of us."
September 20, 2020
Hector is a dog who collects acorns, most of the kindergarten through second graders I have met love collecting something, too. This book shows a teacher who understands Hector and helps show why he is to be appreciated and why collections are fun. I remember the kids who collected smooth rocks and polished rocks and loved them. This is a great book to read to the stamp, sticker, hair bow, and other collectors in K-3rd grade.
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October 14, 2020I love all the comforting details in this book; it feels very homey. I’m not much of a collector myself but I really liked this story. Kids with an eye for detail will especially love this, but it’s also a great lesson for anyone on caring for and appreciating the things we have. It would be a welcome addition to a storytime on mindfulness. There’s some bonus information on museums in the back, making it even better.
January 2, 2018
1/2/2018 ~~ Lighthearted look at collectors and collecting - As paraphrased, each collection is different, each is the same, and each is beautiful. The response of the teacher is just right.
Why I chose to read this book: Received an Honorable Mention in the category of "Most Charming" by Minh Le: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...
Why I chose to read this book: Received an Honorable Mention in the category of "Most Charming" by Minh Le: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/...
May 7, 2019
My 5-year-old and I love this book. It is extremely well done. The text is well written, the characters are realistic and relatable and likable, and the illustrations are beautiful and add to the text. The teacher does a masterful job of reframing an initially embarrassing moment, and the wide range of collections is lovely.
August 2, 2017
Everyone has collections, but none are the same, quite like the individuals keeping them. My father-in-law is worried this will inspire hoarding, but I don't think the situation is quite that dire. lol
January 31, 2018
Hector's classmates begin to make fun of him when they find out about his acorn collection, but once they begin to share their collections, they how everyone has interests that help make them unique.
July 18, 2018
I loved this book! I liked how well the teacher handled finding a student's desk full of acorns. I also loved that after the brief show and tell Hector was asked to do with his acorns, the other kids mentioned their collections, too!
January 17, 2025
This book fit nicely into our math study of collections. The message about all the items in Hector's collection having common attributes and different attributes, but all being beautiful reiterated our lesson on Martin Luther King, Jr.
July 3, 2017
A nice jumping off point for talking about collections that belong to everyone, like those in museums and libraries.
July 5, 2017
The perfect book for all adults and infants. Though I am indeed somewhat biased.
July 14, 2017
3.5 STARS
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews