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Het Ding
Op een dag valt Het Ding uit de lucht. Vier vreemden komen het tegen en raken met elkaar in gesprek. Want wat is Het Ding? Van wie is het? Wat doet het? En waarom bestaat het eigenlijk? Dit prachtig geïllustreerde prentenboek zal voor veel mensen over verschillende dingen gaan, maar is bovenal een ode aan bezinning en vriendschap, en een humoristische zoektocht naar de betekenis van het leven in de 21ste eeuw.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2018
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 10, 2018
Puttock and Egnéus present an interesting insight into the desire to investigate, understand and connect with the unknown. Travelling across a stretch of land, four creatures happen to stumble upon a Thing, a strange object or being that has quite mysteriously settled. Here, each animal begins to ponder upon how to care for and interact with the Thing; until news of the arrival begins to spread to others, and a less nurturing side of the human condition emerges.
This was a quietly ambiguous story, and I found myself knowing little more about the meaning behind the Thing than I did at the start of the narrative. Perhaps a deliberate reflection upon our inability to always know the reason for everything. What is made apparent, however, is the vast spectrum of human emotion that arises in the search for meaning. Communities forge at the face of uncertainty, speculation or the instinctual caring for something different and it is interesting to test the strength of these networks after the removal of what brought them together.
Quite the philosophical story which could potentially create some real debate surrounding belief, particularly with regards to the actions stemming from them, and whether these thoughts and feelings are instinctual to human nature.
This was a quietly ambiguous story, and I found myself knowing little more about the meaning behind the Thing than I did at the start of the narrative. Perhaps a deliberate reflection upon our inability to always know the reason for everything. What is made apparent, however, is the vast spectrum of human emotion that arises in the search for meaning. Communities forge at the face of uncertainty, speculation or the instinctual caring for something different and it is interesting to test the strength of these networks after the removal of what brought them together.
Quite the philosophical story which could potentially create some real debate surrounding belief, particularly with regards to the actions stemming from them, and whether these thoughts and feelings are instinctual to human nature.
February 14, 2021
Gisteren tijdens het wandelen heb ik deze uit een minibieb meegenomen (samen met nog een prentenboek die ik hopelijk morgen ga lezen). Dit was een leuk en interessant geschreven boek over wat er gebeurde toen er Het Ding op Aarde landde. We zien verschillende dieren en reacties (van angst tot fascinatie), zien hoe het een hele hype wordt (met kermis), en hoe 4 dieren vrienden worden en zorgen voor Het Ding. Het einde vond ik wel erg jammer, ik had graag wat meer over Het Ding geleerd, maar tja, dit houdt ook wel het mysterie er in. Ik hoop wel dat het einde niet het einde betekent voor de vrienden.
De tekeningen waren wel redelijk, niet altijd mijn kopje thee, maar in het algemeen vond ik ze leuk.
De tekeningen waren wel redelijk, niet altijd mijn kopje thee, maar in het algemeen vond ik ze leuk.
October 20, 2020
A nice story of forming friendships. 4 animals find a ‘thing’ and no one knows that it is. When the thing leaves they realise it created a friendship between them. Lots of opportunities for discussion and thinking about what the thing does and where it came from, could link to descriptive writing or music inspiration. A nice book for FS and KS1 children as a read aloud book and to base discussion and work around.
February 22, 2025
Eines Tages erscheint einfach ein Dings auf der Wiese (es sieht verdächtig nach einem riesigen Mickey-Kopf aus?). Alle Tiere kommen zusammen und rätseln. Dann gibt es erste Souvenirshops und Essensstände, mehr Leute reisen an, um zu gaffen. Mitten in der Nacht verschwindet das Dings wieder, einfach so! Man ist zwar nicht schlauer, aber dafür miteinander befreundet. Auch schön!
December 17, 2017
An excellent little story that is thoughtful and well illustrated!
July 6, 2017
What is this thing, the Thing? What is true is that I’m not really any closer to answering that question after finally laying my hands on a copy of this beautiful picture book. Truthfully, I think the inexplicable quality is the best thing of all the many things of which this deceptively sparse tale comprises.
This is one of those truly great author/illustrator pairings where there is a whole world of conversation happening between the page and the reader that remains unspoken. It is a balm in a world increasingly unsettled by the unknown; unnerved by not having the answers to everything to hand.
It doesn’t really matter what the Thing is, so much as its effect on the four strangers who are drawn together because of it. The huddle page is perhaps my favourite of them all. Collaboration, compassion, and friendship are key takeaways for me, and the dangers of ‘othering’, too. This Thing will be many Things to many readers, though, and for that, I would say that it is an absolute must for every child’s library.
This is one of those truly great author/illustrator pairings where there is a whole world of conversation happening between the page and the reader that remains unspoken. It is a balm in a world increasingly unsettled by the unknown; unnerved by not having the answers to everything to hand.
It doesn’t really matter what the Thing is, so much as its effect on the four strangers who are drawn together because of it. The huddle page is perhaps my favourite of them all. Collaboration, compassion, and friendship are key takeaways for me, and the dangers of ‘othering’, too. This Thing will be many Things to many readers, though, and for that, I would say that it is an absolute must for every child’s library.
March 16, 2021
4.5/5 A thought provoking and unusual story, I found myself pondering this illustrated gem long after I finished reading it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and particularly loved how much was left unanswered about 'the thing' - it leaves so much scope for discussion with a wide range of age groups; Where did the thing come from? What would you do if you found it? Why do you think the four strangers decided to look after it? Why did it become famous? What will happen the four friends now? Where did the thing go? The possibilities are endless 😊
Suffice to say this has become an instant favourite book for me and I'm excited to share it with the children I teach for many years to come!
My only criticism is the form of the thing- it is very like a Mickley mouse head which might limit the imaginations of some children. It would have been 5/5 from me if only that illustration was more unique looking.
Suffice to say this has become an instant favourite book for me and I'm excited to share it with the children I teach for many years to come!
My only criticism is the form of the thing- it is very like a Mickley mouse head which might limit the imaginations of some children. It would have been 5/5 from me if only that illustration was more unique looking.
October 23, 2017
Full of fancy and wonder, The Thing is a picture book that tugs and digs at your conscience. It's implications are deep yet this is a picture book that even very small children will find alluring. I imagine it is one they will grow with and in so doing come to understand Puttock's nod to tolerance, acceptance, and mindfulness.
All sorts of 'things' separate, divide and unite us every single minute. We don't always understand where our feelings or opinions spring from nor why they are what they are. Some questions are unanswerable. The Thing attempts to acknowledge this in a gentle commentary of our ability include and exclude and how friendships can grow and survive with very little nourishment, in places unexpected.
Gorgeous, whimsy-filled illustrations and fetching characters bring this winsome narrative alive. I loved it.
All sorts of 'things' separate, divide and unite us every single minute. We don't always understand where our feelings or opinions spring from nor why they are what they are. Some questions are unanswerable. The Thing attempts to acknowledge this in a gentle commentary of our ability include and exclude and how friendships can grow and survive with very little nourishment, in places unexpected.
Gorgeous, whimsy-filled illustrations and fetching characters bring this winsome narrative alive. I loved it.
July 25, 2017
The idea was great, but I don't think the execution was that great for kids. You might disagree, but here are my reasons:
1. The Thing looks a bit too all over the place: like a Mickey Mouse head with circles that look like eyes. I personally found it quite hard to look at.
2. At first everything seems simple and very much like nature, but then suddenly there are all sorts of amusement park things and plastic models and televisions. And it's quite sad when the amusement park is abandoned in the end.
3. And most importantly: The animals who found the thing have become friends, but in the end THEY WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS...!
No. Too melancholic for my taste. ;)
1. The Thing looks a bit too all over the place: like a Mickey Mouse head with circles that look like eyes. I personally found it quite hard to look at.
2. At first everything seems simple and very much like nature, but then suddenly there are all sorts of amusement park things and plastic models and televisions. And it's quite sad when the amusement park is abandoned in the end.
3. And most importantly: The animals who found the thing have become friends, but in the end THEY WENT THEIR SEPARATE WAYS...!
No. Too melancholic for my taste. ;)
March 23, 2025
The Thing is a story about four strangers who come together looking after a mysterious creature (or even object) that came out of nowhere. As time passes, The Thing becomes the subject of discussions and fascination around the world. Some people like it and want to protect it, some worry and want to get rid of it. Everyone wonders what it is and where it came from… When The Thing finally disappears, the four strangers realise they had become good friends. The book gently sparks discussion about the unknown and different, as well collaboration, friendship and looking after “things”. A good read for years 3-4.
February 6, 2020
Such a lovely story,
I really liked how the pages were laid out and how the words and pictures worked together. Lots of interesting vocabulary and concepts which could be explored through the words and pictures. The author has left it down to the reader to interpret what they think the ‘thing’ might be which I really liked. The message of the story about how interests and other things in life can bring people together and form friendships was powerful and meaningful.
Such a great read!
I really liked how the pages were laid out and how the words and pictures worked together. Lots of interesting vocabulary and concepts which could be explored through the words and pictures. The author has left it down to the reader to interpret what they think the ‘thing’ might be which I really liked. The message of the story about how interests and other things in life can bring people together and form friendships was powerful and meaningful.
Such a great read!
August 8, 2020
"The Thing" is a story of an object that randomly turns up. Four characters get together and advertise it as an attraction for others to see. They also establish a theme park. Then one day "the thing" disappears.
February 25, 2018
less sickeningly patronising than some kids books.
April 24, 2018
3.5 stars
May 30, 2020
A soft, beautiful tale of curiosity, mystery, connection and friendship. I especially love the way the author plays with font placement and size to add emphasis.
July 19, 2020
A thing brings four strangers together on an adventure. Cool story.
September 24, 2020
A chance to explore together, sweet companionship is open and obvious. Imagery is soft and accompanies the book well. It is a very caring book that then shows exactly what can happen in real life.
February 12, 2022
Ah the wonders that come from reading a kid's picture book
November 3, 2018
An enjoyable read, this book explores friendship, the 'unknown', society and modern media culture. This could be quite a versatile resource to use, exploring the identity of The Thing, the impact it had on the community it landed in, and the after effects of its presence there. A gentle read and quite fun, would recommend this book for KS1 and lower KS2.
August 31, 2024
This is a similar concept to "what's that jack", which I also really enjoyed. The Thing has more subtle illustrations that I think children of lots of ages would be able to find things in for hours.
June 30, 2022
A fantastic children's book!
Philosophical, funny, and cute; with lovely illustrations, and a creative layout/format of the text.
It's so good. I totally recommend it, even if you don't have a child to read it to :)
Philosophical, funny, and cute; with lovely illustrations, and a creative layout/format of the text.
It's so good. I totally recommend it, even if you don't have a child to read it to :)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews