The Wonder Thing

by Libby Hathorn

What is "the wonder thing"? This book is a mystery in simple verse and illustrations that keeps the reader guessing until the very last page. It is a celebration of water. Libby Hathorn won the Children's Book Council's Book of the Year Award for "The Tram to Bondi Beach".

Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Libby Hathorn is an Australian writer who produces poetry, picture books, drama, novels, short stories, and nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults. Best known in the United States for her critically acclaimed novel Thunderwith, Hathorn has created works ranging from serious stories of troubled youth to lighthearted, fast-paced comedies. She writes of powerful female characters in her novels for junior readers, such as the protagonists in All about Anna and The Extraordinary Magics of Emma McDade; or of lonely, misunderstood teenagers in novels such as Feral Kid, Love Me Tender, and Valley under the Rock. As Maurice Saxby noted in St. James Guide to Children's Writers, "In her novels for teenagers especially, Hathorn exposes, with compassion, sensitivity, and poetry the universal and ongoing struggle of humanity to heal hurts, establish meaningful relationships, and to learn to accept one's self—and ultimately—those who have wronged us."

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another gem of a book that I found because of Goodreads. It’s a truly lovely book about the omnipresence of water in our world all over the earth in all sorts of places. It could function as a wonderful introductory science book and it’s also fine for simple entertainment. The “riddle” isn’t much of one, even for the youngest child, but the information in the story is fascinating and the pictures are wonderful. One thing I found interesting is that even though a single artist contributed to this book, the artistic style appears to differ from page to page. There’s much to look at on each page. It is a book as full of wonder as is the substance of life giving water. It deserves a wide readership.

[Catherine Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book second hand from the US as it was a recommended text from my Literacy professor to teach adjectives. The Wonder Thing is a gorgeous book that can be used to teach prepositions and metaphors as well. This is one of those great books you find in thrift shops because someone didn't see the beauty that you as a teacher/librarian can. I love it and can see us using it plenty in the classroom. So what is the Wonder Thing you ask? You'll have to read it to find out :)

[earlgray · Rating 4 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL ILLUSTRATIONS. This books is poetry!!! Less words that have a powerful impact. My type of book. This is truly art.

[Tara Mensing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the diversity, colorful and skilled illustrations of different parts of the world this book contains! Stimulates cognitive development by being predictable, where students can guess what this universal "wonder thing" is. Great nature or element theme book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple text and lovely illustrations.

[Sydney McClure · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I kept wondering where it was going. The illustrations were amazing.

[Lindsay]

water, world cultures, guessing, weather, many animals & ecosystems