I Am a Thief!

by Abigail Rayner, Molly Ruttan (Illustrations)

When Eliza Jane Murphy—line leader, captain of the worm rescue team—impulsively pockets a sparkly green stone from her classroom’s “Exploring Green” display table, her heart crumples.

My heart stopped singing. My letters went wonky. I was too heavy to swing!

I wanted to put it back . . . But what if someone saw?

But when she discovers that nearly everyone in her family took something once in their lives—from her baby brother and mom, to her nana with her sausage-stealing dog—Eliza overcomes her shame to make things right.

A hilarious and heartfelt story about stealing and finding the courage to do the right thing.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile, Fiction, School, Humor, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 3, 2019

About the author

Abigail Rayner was born in England where they have lots of history and rain. When she grew up, she became a reporter and moved to New York, where she was encouraged to write stories, but not the made-up kind. These days she lives in New Jersey, with her wonderful husband, two brilliant kids, and three terrible cats.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear. I *really* wanted to love this story. The cover drew me in, and the blurb described a story that I thought was going to be an amazing lesson with a bit of humour. Unfortunately, I just can't get on board with the lesson this story ended up teaching.

The story starts well, with an amusing introduction to our little thief, Eliza Jane. Then, once the theft occurs, the description of guilt was incredible! I was sure this was going to be something I would recommend for every bookshelf. Every kid does something at some point that they need to own up to, and I thought this was going to be a story to show them how to do that.

But then things go a bit wonky. While I like the idea of recognizing that nobody is a bad person just for doing one bad thing, I absolutely do not like that there are no repercussions for this little girl who stole. I also really dislike that situations describing intentional theft are lumped in with descriptions of what are either accidental thefts or not even really theft at all.

At the end of it all, I just can't get behind the lesson that was actually taught. Although this might still be a great book to read to kids who are struggling to overcome deep feelings of guilt for relatively minor infractions, overall I think the lesson here is too murky for most kids to get a clear understanding.

Thank you to NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for providing me with a DRC of this book that will be available for purchase in September 2019.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I get what they are trying to do here and am totally on board with teaching kids that nobody's perfect and being honest is important.
The illustrations are super cute, but this book definitely needs adult supervision to make sure the kids get that thievery is wrong and not funny or common.

Thank you NetGalley and North South Books Inc. for this DRC.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an odd book, that went on far too long.

The whole point of the book is to teach children that stealing is wrong. (Unless you believe property is theft, but then this book wouldn't make sense to you even more.)

The thing is, from the moment she steals the green jewel, she knows, she knows it is wrong. The whole book could have been cut in half.

But, no, she wants to know if everyone steals, and if so are they all thieves. And yes, the instances, some were outright stealing, but others were accidents, or like the goat, animal nature.





And there is no consequence. The girl is not punished, and life goes on.

Not quite sure what this is supposed to be teaching. That not everyone is perfect?

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like this. It's potentially confusing and conflates unintentional or ignorant acts with actual criminal behaviour.

Eliza Jane Murphy steals a green jewel from a display in her classroom. She knows it's stealing, and she immediately starts feeling bad about it. But rather than immediately doing what she knows she needs to do, she goes around and asks all her family members if they've ever stolen anything. It almost seems like a stalling tactic, or a way of justifying what she's done.

The problem that comes next is that the "stealing" that her family members talk about isn't always "stealing". Especially when it comes to animals and babies. A dog taking sausages, a cat running off with a toy, and a baby eating someone else's sandwich at the beach are only "stealing" in the most literal sense of the word. The intent is different in the cases of Eliza Jane's mother, grandfather, grandmother, and cousin, who are all old enough to know better.

It gets even worse when Eliza Jane then concludes that everyone is a thief. Even her teacher, because the woman has a pencil in her bag that's stamped with the words "Bill's Cafe". How do we know that wasn't a promotional item that was freely given? I just don't like how Eliza Jane turns around and accuses everyone of being a thief so she could feel better about what she did... which was (and she knew this from the very beginning) wrong.

The message is way too confusing in this one. The ending--showing Eliza Jane catching her father "stealing" a piece of cake from the fridge (it's his house, his cake... but whatever!)--just makes me annoyed. Eliza Jane copes with her guilt with projection... and I don't think that's a healthy thing to be teaching young readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for providing a digital ARC.

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5. The story in this book has some funny elements that as an adult I was able to put in relativity and appreciate. But for young reader, children, I consider the message to be a bit confusing and can really be interpret in a wrong way, saying that the act of stealing isn’t bad...Because of that weird message/morale I have to drop its rating by a lot, and that is sad because the author know how to write good and funny story and the illustrated did a good job has well, but you got to be careful what message goes through your book, especially with children book!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea where this was going to go, and I liked the journey. I think the horrible feeling of having done something wrong on impulse and then contending with it and learning that you can repair a wrongdoing and it doesn't have to be the end of the story—in fact, to err is human—is relatable and honest.

[Bibi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I consider myself a pretty open-minded person...and this book took me by surprise. I didn’t like the message AT ALL, and I stopped reading it to my 6 year old a few pages in. I should’ve read it beforehand. The act of stealing and then trying to justify it while also projecting blame onto others was irresponsible....for this to be a story for children?? Definitely not something I would ever read to my kids. If I could give it 0 stars I would.


*I was provided an ARC from publisher in exchange for an honest review.”

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - a little girl steals a shiny gem from her school/classroom/playroom, and is then racked with guilt about being a thief. Soon, however, she finds out that everyone she knows has stolen something - but does that mean that everyone is just a thief?! No, it means that people make mistakes, but are not defined by them. A great lesson for every kid (and a whole lot of adults, too).

[Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clever book that raises the question of morality in a young girl's life.
It poses the idea that labels can be applied that could stick and change perceptions.
Eliza's life is going well with positive, self-affirming titles that make her proud and self assured. This all changes when she takes something of a classroom exhibition table.
It weighs heavy on her pocket and heavier on her conscience.
She struggles with the concept that she has stolen something which makes her a thief. She asks those she loves and respects and finds some indiscretion in each person's life.
How can she resolve her ideas of self-worth and the loss of identity?

Well illustrated and a fun read to share with young impressionable minds. There is right and wrongin our lives but blame and condenation are pershaps the most damaging of responses.

[***Book Lady *** · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the illustrations for this children's book. The story was funny, and had a message that stealing was wrong, and about doing the right thing. But that said I had a hard time with the subject, that everyone steals something but their human traits are also so many other good things. It would be very confusing for young ones to have this story read to them.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 2 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and North South Books for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This.is a children's book. I have very mixed.feelings about this book. I understand the.premise but don't think a young child, will understand the distinction. Basically stealing is just wrong. Don't make excuses or call it brave because she put what she stole back. Good grief! She had no repercussions??!! That I didn't like. Yes no one is just one thing, but still not right. I did like the graphics. Rate it 2.5 stars.

[Gladimore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever stolen anything before? We are not just talking big things or money. It could be anything. Accidentally taking a pen from school. Or someone's snack when they weren't looking. The little girl in this book discovers that anyone can be a thief! That stealing is not nice or makes you feel good. But people are more then that!
#Edelweiss

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was SO CLOSE to getting it right, but that our protagonist has no punishment or repercussions at all (besides feeling bad) just didn't sit right with me. The lesson is almost there, and the illustration style is great. So I'd say that this is best read with an adult who can offer a bit more thought.

[Bookish Devil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about how Eliza Jane Murphy - line leader, captain of the worm rescue team - deals with the guilt that engulfs her after she impulsively pockets a sparkly green stone from her classroom's display table. The illustrations were cute, no doubt in that. After going through a couple of reviews posted on Goodreads, I decided to give the book another try as I had mixed feelings about it after the first try.

I'm now starting to realize what the author is trying to convey. She feels that the children who commit the act of stealing, even if it's done on an impulse, must be given a pat on their back once they decide to come clean. The fear of being reprimanded for such acts is what makes them more discreet and reticent. Eliza's decision to talk to her teacher about it is something which we should all take note of and it serves as an example of how one mustn't hesitate to do the rightful thing.

Note to the author: The Kindle version that I downloaded had pages that were mixed up. I tried to view the same via both the Kindle device and Mobile, but the result was the same. So it took me a while to make head or tail about the sequence of the story.

[BreeAnn (She Just Loves Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about making a wrong decision, then doing the right thing. A little girl takes a green rock from a display at school. She feels guilty and alone. She starts to realize that everyone is not just one thing, and she's not just a thief. She finds that her dog steals sausages and grandma steals sugar packets. She finds the right thing to do in the end. Super cute story with funny illustrations to make a child giggle. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one that’ll open a good discussion between parents and children as it deals not just in making poor choices but, more importantly, how to deal with making apologies and reparations afterward. The graphics are very well done, which will be very appealing to younger kids and keep their attention.
This story deserves to be in every library and in every household.

[Amy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fantastic, funny, fatally humorous.  When Eliza Jane Murphy takes a stone from her class's "Exploring Green" table, guilt immediately consumes her.  The stone is burning a hole in her pocket.  When she returns home, she asks her family all about whether they've stolen something, whether it be on purpose or on accident.  And they all have.  She's from a line of thieves!  But after a tearful confession, she learns that she can make things right by coming clean and giving the stone back.

With adorable illustrations and quirky, laugh out loud text, I Am a Thief! makes for a lesson in righting one's wrongs, and strengthening one's moral compass.  I've seen some people be a little upset with this book on account of Eliza Jane Murphy not being punished, but her guilt was certainly punishment enough, and I don't find that the message is lost.  I find that the message is that sometimes, we do bad things--we all do bad things--but if we're honest and make a true apology and genuinely change our future actions, forgiveness can be had, and happiness can be restored.  

Great for grades K-3, and perfect for starting conversations around our moral compasses and learning right from wrong.

Review cross-listed here!

[Mary Caliendo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Am A Theif! By Abigail Rayner Target 4-8 years old. Preschool read aloud From North South Bokks, Inc.

A humorous children's story filled with sweet and gentle teaching around morals. The main character Eliza Jane Murphy, who is the captain of the worm rescue team sees a green glittery stone on display in her classroom. For some reason, "she has to have it". She puts it in her bag and steals it. This story is narrated in the first person, she feels extreme guilt and struggles to understand her actions when the subplots of the cat and the dog who steals sausages emerges.
Through her reflection, she comes to realize that everyone is also not perfect, including the animals. The moral is that one bad thing does not make the person bad.
This book is great for parental discussion and the illustrations were cute.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's probably a good book on this topic somewhere, but I don't think this one is it. It tries to send a good message, but in the process, I think it ends of trivializing stealing by treating it as "everyone does it and either it's no big deal or they end up laughing about it". I'd rather teach this with something like A Penny's Worth of Character (that book is actually about cheating).

[Ms Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read aloud to classes in grade 1-3 and it went over well. Big laughs at the silly parts and the kids were able to understand how the girl felt. We all shared about one time we stole something and it was a great opportunity for an adult lead discussion about stealing, guilt, and what to do about it. The book itself uses humour and leaves some things ambiguous which necessitated me to make sure the kids knew that stealing is wrong but it's understandable that we get tempted sometimes and that if you did steal something it's important to own up to it and return the stolen item.

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humanity is not divisible into good guys/bad guys! People are more than their worst moments! A complex lesson made accessible. Heeeck yes. Could be an appropriate picture book for, saaay, your very first conversation about prison abolition.

[Michelle Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail Rayner’s story is not only highly entertaining, it also shares an important message: one bad deed does not define a person. Ella is a relatable protagonist, and I found myself cheering for her as she struggled to do the right thing. A good one for the SEL shelf (Social Emotional Learning) in classrooms!

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a clever story that can teach kids about the importance of giving back! I really enjoyed the cute illustrations and how they fit well with the story.

*Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

And my heart...
Stopped singing.

On the one hand, they weren't kidding about the "hilarious" and the "heartfelt" part. The pretty illustrations only made it easier to love Eliza's adorably quirky family of "thieves." And the dad and the cat's final hurrah at the end did make me chuckle. That kitty really loved the stuffed bunny very much, huh?

Eliza's struggle through her guilt felt very real and vividly on point, too. I also love how she turned to her family in her efforts to understand why she did what she did. And her eventual realization that people are so much more than just their mistakes was simply beautiful.

However, I can't help feeling like it sugarcoated a bit on the consequences of her theft. She was brave enough to admit to it, and I applaud her for that. But there should've at least been some sort of punishment, right? You let a kid off scot-free once and you risk having them think it's that easy to do it over again. o.o

There is definitely a valuable lesson to be learned here about not just wallowing in guilt, but also being brave enough to own up to and take responsibility for our actions. But repercussions are also a thing, and in real life, they do and should happen even after the bravest of confessions. And perhaps an additional lesson for Eliza to have learned is to be brave enough to accept and face these repercussions, too.

I received a digital review copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Sally Wilsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a little girl named Eliza Jane Murphy. One day Eliza sees a green emerald in her class and it drawn to it. Unfortunately she decides to take it for her own. Immediately she starts feeling very guilty about taking it without permission. She asks her family members if they had every stolen anything and some say yes and Eliza decides to investigate her whole family. Her conclusion is that everyone in her family are thieves and she comes by it honestly. Eliza due to her guilt does return the stone eventually.
I love the way that the story pretrays her feelings of guilt (her heart stopped singing). I also liked the ending which I will not give away (the last page of the book). It is a great story for children to learn right from wrong and also to be honest. The illustrations are very well done and tells the story through pictures also. Some of them made me chuckle. I do recommend this book to children 4+ as I think younger ones would not get the message in it.

[Ariel Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the story had a great premise and the illustrations were really fun and engaging. However, I feel like they missed out on a bigger teachable lesson about stealing and essentially just made it acceptable if you apologize. Yes, the girl was brave for returning the item and admitting to what she did but she faced no consequences and I don't feel that necessarily aligns with reality.

Thank you Netgalley and North South Books for the advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Keily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of the story.

Eliza Jane Murphy steals a Green Stone from her class room display she feels awful, she asks around her family “have you ever stolen anything” and is surprised by the stories she is told.

Eliza is definitely a likeable character and you feel sorry for her and want her to do the right thing.

Humorous throughout. The illustrations are lovely, but not super bright.

I enjoyed this story and my 6 year old will too.

Thank you. I shall be reviewing on Goodreads and Amazon.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Am a Thief" is an adorable book about what happens when you take something that doesn't belong to you. The author and illustrator do an amazing job describing and visualizing the guilt, anxiety, and depression that comes with doing something wrong. Every child breaks rules at some point. It's part of growing up. This book encourages children to be brave enough to admit they were wrong and find a way to fix it. The illustrations are funny and endearing and the message hits home with a light, humorous touch. Well done! This will be added to our collection.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the art and the premise, but the delivery was lacking in focus. Is the message to getting over guilt really, "Nobody is JUST a thief. Everyone is a lot of things," and basically, everyone steals something at one time or another. But it's OK, because we are not defined by our wrong and potentially illegal activities. Ok, I get the lesson that making a mistake doesn't make you a bad person, but so many different types of "thievery" are lumped together in this book. The better message comes a later when the girl is brave and makes amends for her theft. The rest just gets in the way.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could so relate to this book, as I am sure so many other adults can. Children aren't naturally thieves, i just think it is poor impulse control. So this little tale might just enlighten young ones to return what's taken, and maybe not do it again. Lesson learned.I liked the illustration and the fact that the book didn't come down like a hammer on kids.
Don't forge