What do you think?
Rate this book
The End
Start with THE END in mind with John Bray’s debut picture book that explores conclusions. This is THE END of endings as you know them.
At once silly and smart, The End shows how a line we often read in books can also be found in real life. If you are eating lunch and you finish your sandwich, that’s the end of lunch! If you stop looking for your lost pair of socks to read this book, that’s the end of your sock search!
Bray also reminds us that there are more parts to stories too: “THE END of one thing is the beginning of something else. And the beginning of one thing is THE END of something else.” There are also THE BEGINNING and THE MIDDLE of everyday activities too. But beware of boredom—that’s the finale of fun!
Perfect for fans of B.J. Novak’s The Book With No Pictures, this picture book is bound to entertain young readers who love to ask questions, read funny stories, build blanket forts, and complicate the passage of time. With vibrant illustrations by artist Josh Cleland, The End is just the beginning of a re-read!
At once silly and smart, The End shows how a line we often read in books can also be found in real life. If you are eating lunch and you finish your sandwich, that’s the end of lunch! If you stop looking for your lost pair of socks to read this book, that’s the end of your sock search!
Bray also reminds us that there are more parts to stories too: “THE END of one thing is the beginning of something else. And the beginning of one thing is THE END of something else.” There are also THE BEGINNING and THE MIDDLE of everyday activities too. But beware of boredom—that’s the finale of fun!
Perfect for fans of B.J. Novak’s The Book With No Pictures, this picture book is bound to entertain young readers who love to ask questions, read funny stories, build blanket forts, and complicate the passage of time. With vibrant illustrations by artist Josh Cleland, The End is just the beginning of a re-read!
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
Published August 30, 2022
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 26, 2022
This is a creative and colorful book, written from a thoughtful perspective. Children, as well as adults tend to view life's experiences with the focus on beginnings and endings. In my observation, working with children for over twenty five years, they generally live in an environment of starts and stops, "This class starts and ends, etc". I believe this book encourages, in a playful way, young ones to think about the fact that there's a lot of living in the middle, "Where beginnings and endings meet". I love that subtle, yet wonderful message. John did a great job communicating to young and old minds, that the middle not only connects the beginning and end, but is quite possibly where creativity is developed. This is a fun book with wonderful illustrations, and will be enjoyed as it's read over and over again !
July 20, 2022
This is a fabulous quick read about endings and beginnings. It does a great job of talking from a kids perspective about how all things change and when things end new things begin. Will read often for sure!
August 3, 2022
Praise to the author for bridging the concept of endings and beginnings for kids. What a beautiful way to show kids how to let things end and be excited to start the next thing. Really felt like an inner voice speaking to your heart. Such a special way to talk about the little changes in life and the very big ones.
I can't wait for my copy to read to all my kids young and old.
I can't wait for my copy to read to all my kids young and old.
June 25, 2022
A cute book about the endings and beginnings of things. A good way to talk about endings and beginnings with your little ones. I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the book (The End. What? It is! Oh. You're probably confused because this book is just beginning. But it's still THE END.) and the ending of the book (The Beginning. Of what? Well, that's up to you.)
August 2, 2022
This is a book for kiddos and adults alike. Whimsical drawings that pull you into a discussion about ends and beginnings and everything in the middle. It helps you break down why endings are just as good as beginnings.
The best part, perhaps, is the reminder that while bedtime is the end of playtime it’s also the beginning of tomorrow which probably means more play time :)
The best part, perhaps, is the reminder that while bedtime is the end of playtime it’s also the beginning of tomorrow which probably means more play time :)
September 27, 2022
The End explores the idea of beginnings and endings in our everyday lives, from eating meals to playing. We have to end one thing in order to begin another, for better or worse. Eventually, the end of one thing leads to the beginning of a big change, such as going to school. But by then, you’ve had so much practice with beginnings and endings that you know that good things will follow and bad things won’t last.
The End is a fun, clever, and inspiring picture book that teaches young readers about time, change, and routine by relating it to everyday activities. These activities are acted out by a cute little girl whose activities are beautifully illustrated. The text on each page its short, and its illustrations are big and colorful which will hold the attention of young readers and is full of relatable and thought-provoking concepts that put abstract ideas into easy to digest explanations.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-e...
The End is a fun, clever, and inspiring picture book that teaches young readers about time, change, and routine by relating it to everyday activities. These activities are acted out by a cute little girl whose activities are beautifully illustrated. The text on each page its short, and its illustrations are big and colorful which will hold the attention of young readers and is full of relatable and thought-provoking concepts that put abstract ideas into easy to digest explanations.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-e...
July 11, 2022
With a little back and forth and all-over-the-place, the beginning, end, and middle are explored with tons of humor thrown in.
This book starts at the end and shows how ends mean beginnings, which lead to middles, too. While starting with the end of a school year, it runs through various, everyday activities to demonstrate the three words as they intermix with each other or lead to a new beginning of something else.
If you're looking for a clear-cut read to describe the concepts of beginnings, middles, and ends, this is not what you're looking for...but it might be a good idea to grab up, anyway. The illustrations are key to help hold some balance as the words play around the three themes in a way, which kind of remind me of the run-around-logic of some of the characters found in Alice in Wonderland. The text plays with the three words, interweaving them in a sometimes muddled way, which with a bit of thought, isn't so muddled, after all. And it's definitely silly.
While the first scene starts with the child heading home at the end of a year of school and calls it an end, the situations soon glide from mundane tasks, such as sorting socks, to more adventurous one, which include building forts, creating cardboard ships outside, and more. The activities are ones that readers can identify with, some being more fun than others. But this makes it simple for listeners to grasp of the concept of endings, middles and beginnings. To add to the fun, there are humorous details added into the illustrations. They also let imagination fly in a more grounded way.
It's a bit of a topsy-turvy dive into the three terms, but by mixing it up, readers also are forced to consider each one a little more to keep up with the tale. And if nothing else, it's quite a bit of fun. I received a DRC through Edelweiss and found myself smiling and smirking the whole way through.
This book starts at the end and shows how ends mean beginnings, which lead to middles, too. While starting with the end of a school year, it runs through various, everyday activities to demonstrate the three words as they intermix with each other or lead to a new beginning of something else.
If you're looking for a clear-cut read to describe the concepts of beginnings, middles, and ends, this is not what you're looking for...but it might be a good idea to grab up, anyway. The illustrations are key to help hold some balance as the words play around the three themes in a way, which kind of remind me of the run-around-logic of some of the characters found in Alice in Wonderland. The text plays with the three words, interweaving them in a sometimes muddled way, which with a bit of thought, isn't so muddled, after all. And it's definitely silly.
While the first scene starts with the child heading home at the end of a year of school and calls it an end, the situations soon glide from mundane tasks, such as sorting socks, to more adventurous one, which include building forts, creating cardboard ships outside, and more. The activities are ones that readers can identify with, some being more fun than others. But this makes it simple for listeners to grasp of the concept of endings, middles and beginnings. To add to the fun, there are humorous details added into the illustrations. They also let imagination fly in a more grounded way.
It's a bit of a topsy-turvy dive into the three terms, but by mixing it up, readers also are forced to consider each one a little more to keep up with the tale. And if nothing else, it's quite a bit of fun. I received a DRC through Edelweiss and found myself smiling and smirking the whole way through.
August 12, 2022
This book perfectly describes the full-circle magic that is life. As an educator, this book would be a great addition to use in Writers' Workshop as a mentor text, teaching the circular nature of the writing process. The end of one piece is never just the end; it often sparks new ideas and new writing. John Bray's book cleverly describes the perils of dwelling "in the middle" too long (many educators can relate to spending far too much time in the middle of stories). I am excited to share this with my colleagues to use when they teach literacy workshop in their classrooms. Thank you for sharing a fresh look at "the end" moments in our lives.
June 6, 2022
Hmmm... A book that assures us that the end is not the end, because right after it is the beginning of something, and there's the middle as well – yeesh. This is bright and colourful and such a simple read, but it's part lesson in what the beginning and end and middle are, and part philosophical discussion about time. If it wants to be a reassurance that life happily goes on, and that the end of school, a friendship or living somewhere is not the end full stop, it's going about it in far too muddled a way for the target audience.
August 25, 2023
Impulse grab at the library. I've never seen anything like this before.
The concept of exploring endings & finishes & completions, and then moving on to something new (that may or may not be better than what was just ended) is one that kids should be given a chance to think about. And not just on the last day of school, or the last day of summer vacation for that matter. The end of a fairy tale or the accomplishment of a project doesn't mean there's no adventure left.
The concept of exploring endings & finishes & completions, and then moving on to something new (that may or may not be better than what was just ended) is one that kids should be given a chance to think about. And not just on the last day of school, or the last day of summer vacation for that matter. The end of a fairy tale or the accomplishment of a project doesn't mean there's no adventure left.
August 22, 2022
John takes a complex idea and distills it into something that is not only easy to understand but also entertaining. As an adult it was a humble reminder to let go of certain attachments. And for my children it was an eye opening concept that was quick for them to grasp. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. This book comes off as simple but is wildly intelligent.
July 20, 2022
We really enjoyed this book! It lets kid think from a different perspective and spurs the imagination! I really like the diversity in the illustrations, very inclusive. The open ending can really spark conversation!
August 10, 2022
Loved this humorous twist on endings that had me thinking about them in a whole new light. Fun illustrations and clever text remind readers that there’s always something ending but there’s always something beginning, too!
October 13, 2022
What an original take on letting go! Looking at the end of something as the beginning of something else is a great way to celebrate transitions instead of dreading them. The book is a great read-aloud and the illustrations are lively, telling their own wonderful story alongside the text story.
March 2, 2023
Bray offers readers a different way to look at time. Sometimes we have to reach the end before we can begin a new project, activity, time in life, etc. Colorful illustrations show this child and her cat as they play and change what they're doing. I love the ending.
August 7, 2022
This was a fun and amusing book to read through, with great illustrations the whole way through. Plus, it’s a valuable lesson for both adults and children alike!
November 17, 2022
Great read aloud for talking with kids about perspective.
Read
February 9, 2023Cute and different book for kids.
February 10, 2023
My 6-year-old enjoyed this book and I appreciated that it helps to teach about transitions, which are sometimes hard at this age! Fun illustrations, too.
April 14, 2023
Clever and positive message!
September 15, 2022
WOW! Another outstanding and fun book from this author. And a different illustrator this time again adds the intended vibrancy and whimsy to the whole story. Bray’s prior publication, “Maggie and The Sprinkle Tree”, continues to be loved by all (& all ages!) who have enjoyed Maggie’s project/adventure (and I have also enjoyed sharing it for many various occasions!). Being privileged to have early access to “The End” was an exciting honor.
I can’t praise this work enough, just get ii and enjoy and share !!
I can’t praise this work enough, just get ii and enjoy and share !!
September 8, 2023
A fantastic book written and illustrated with warmth, heart and humour. A lovely way to explore and talk about any big feelings around endings and beginnings, while also pausing to think about the in-between. Most importantly though, it’s a joy to read.
December 4, 2022
Get ready to blow your kid’s mind! John Bray takes a creative look at how readers can view ends and beginnings (and even middles) with a new perspective. Sad about something ending? Maybe you can get excited about beginning something else. Bored in the middle? End it by beginning something new. Not happy with what you began? The end! The text encourages readers to think differently but is also spirited and fun. Josh Cleland’s vibrant, engaging illustrations are engaging and add another layer of humor to the book. This book has school and summer break, cats and dinosaurs, forts and books, and a clever approach to viewing beginnings and ends. A great addition to your bookshelf!
June 25, 2024
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews