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The Tear Thief
Why does the magical Tear Thief catch children's tears as they fall? Find out in this moving tale about how we express our feelings. Lyrical text by Carol Ann Duffy, one of the most prominent poets writing today, makes this a lovely read-aloud.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
11 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ann Duffy
177 books746 followersDame Carol Ann Duffy, DBE, FRSL is a Scottish poet and playwright. She is Professor of Contemporary Poetry at Manchester Metropolitan University, and was appointed Britain's Poet Laureate in May 2009.
She is the first woman, the first Scot, and the first openly LGBT person to hold this position.
Her collections include Standing Female Nude (1985), winner of a Scottish Arts Council Award; Selling Manhattan (1987), which won a Somerset Maugham Award; Mean Time (1993), which won the Whitbread Poetry Award; and Rapture (2005), winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize.
Her poems address issues such as oppression, gender, and violence, in an accessible language that has made them popular in schools.
She is the first woman, the first Scot, and the first openly LGBT person to hold this position.
Her collections include Standing Female Nude (1985), winner of a Scottish Arts Council Award; Selling Manhattan (1987), which won a Somerset Maugham Award; Mean Time (1993), which won the Whitbread Poetry Award; and Rapture (2005), winner of the T. S. Eliot Prize.
Her poems address issues such as oppression, gender, and violence, in an accessible language that has made them popular in schools.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
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May 8, 2023
Those looking for a lovely, original fairy tale for children brought to life through eye-popping artwork should look no further than The Tear Thief, written by former UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli. Ceccoli is a favorite artist, always blending the whimsical with vague sadness and a twinge of darkness, and her artwork is a perfect pair with Duffy’s words. The story follows a mystical being, the Tear Thief, who comes out each night to collect the tears of children to power the light of the moon. Invisible except for in the reflection of water, the Tear Thief makes themselves known to one small girl who has lost her puppy to take her tears of grief--the most valuable tears of all. It is a magical tale carried on waves of melancholy that break upon a rather touching and beautiful shoreline at the conclusion. Another favorite of my oldest child from the days when I would read nightly bedtime stories, this book still has a charm and endearing heart.
I enjoy when stories written for children can deal with heavier subjects like grief or loneliness in ways that aren’t frightening or above a child’s head and allows for conversations about how that is a natural part of being a person and feeling all the feelings. I enjoy how this has some cute world building about how different tears have different values, with the tear thief mostly collecting low-powered tantrum tears from children not wanting to take a bath or go to bed. The art is somber and soft, in bold blue tones that really set the vibe for the story. It is signature Ceccoli, though this feels unique for her, seemingly almost like claymation animation. Its very pretty to look at.
The other day I reviewed The Girl in The Castle Inside the Museum, also gorgeously illustrated by Ceccoli, and I feel this book gets right what that one attempted to do. There is a similar sadness and loneliness but the story has enough structure to hold its weight instead of briefly pass through you. Duffy’s playful prose is also quite charming and imaginative. It is a cute story, long enough to really sink into but short enough to not exhaust you or your child (including a immediate re-read, which my child often requested). Creative and fun, with a good lesson and plenty of heart, The Tear Thief is a lovely read.
⅘
I enjoy when stories written for children can deal with heavier subjects like grief or loneliness in ways that aren’t frightening or above a child’s head and allows for conversations about how that is a natural part of being a person and feeling all the feelings. I enjoy how this has some cute world building about how different tears have different values, with the tear thief mostly collecting low-powered tantrum tears from children not wanting to take a bath or go to bed. The art is somber and soft, in bold blue tones that really set the vibe for the story. It is signature Ceccoli, though this feels unique for her, seemingly almost like claymation animation. Its very pretty to look at.
The other day I reviewed The Girl in The Castle Inside the Museum, also gorgeously illustrated by Ceccoli, and I feel this book gets right what that one attempted to do. There is a similar sadness and loneliness but the story has enough structure to hold its weight instead of briefly pass through you. Duffy’s playful prose is also quite charming and imaginative. It is a cute story, long enough to really sink into but short enough to not exhaust you or your child (including a immediate re-read, which my child often requested). Creative and fun, with a good lesson and plenty of heart, The Tear Thief is a lovely read.
⅘
June 30, 2019
Muy bonito.
#Popsugar2019. Reto 25. Un libro inspirado por una mitología, leyenda o folclore
#Popsugar2019. Reto 25. Un libro inspirado por una mitología, leyenda o folclore
June 26, 2013
This beautiful book is a modern day fairytale and will give kids the chance to discuss and understand why people cry. We do not always cry because of sorrow but sometimes from pain, jealousy, anger and guilt. The words of the book are lyrical and the artwork is truly exceptional and whimsical.
A little invisible sprite, you can only see in puddles, spends the hours between supper and bedtime loitering on the chimney pots of houses around children's houses trying to capture their tears when they cry. When she hears their wails she hurriedly springs into action and collects their tears in her silver sack. What does she do with the tears when her sack is full to the brim? She pours them into the moon to keep it glowing in the night sky. Not all the tears are worthy of keeping the moon fuelled - only genuine tears will work. Tears of anger glow ruby-red, those of envy sparkle like emeralds, and crocodile tears are no good at all. The most valued tears are ones of true sorrow.
The writing is peaceful and calm and the illustrations are soft and dream-like making it the perfect bedtime story. The message being that sadness can be transformed into something beautiful. You will definitely want to have this stunning book in your private collection.
A little invisible sprite, you can only see in puddles, spends the hours between supper and bedtime loitering on the chimney pots of houses around children's houses trying to capture their tears when they cry. When she hears their wails she hurriedly springs into action and collects their tears in her silver sack. What does she do with the tears when her sack is full to the brim? She pours them into the moon to keep it glowing in the night sky. Not all the tears are worthy of keeping the moon fuelled - only genuine tears will work. Tears of anger glow ruby-red, those of envy sparkle like emeralds, and crocodile tears are no good at all. The most valued tears are ones of true sorrow.
The writing is peaceful and calm and the illustrations are soft and dream-like making it the perfect bedtime story. The message being that sadness can be transformed into something beautiful. You will definitely want to have this stunning book in your private collection.
November 24, 2018
La ladrona de lagrimas ha sido una historia realmente hermosa.
Nos muestra a la pequeña ladrona de lágrimas, una niña que sale por las noches en busca de las lágrimas de los mas pequeños. Éstas son de lo mas variadas. Cada color pertenece a un sentimiento distinto. Son rojas aquellas que son de rabia, verdes las de envidia o celos, blancas las del miedo, amarillas las de culpa, etc.
Pero las más hermosas, aquellas que brillan con mas intensidad, son las generadas por una tristeza real y profunda.
Así la ladrona de lágrimas será atraída por una pequeña niña que llora buscando a su perrito perdido, y a ella le contará la verdadera historia de sus andanzas y qué hace con todas las lágrimas recogidas durante la noche.
La ladrona de lágrimas es una historia ideal para los mas pequeños, para que puedan descubrir las distintas emociones que nos llevan a las lagrimas y procesar la profundidad de cada uno de ellas.
En cuanto a la edición. El libro viene ilustrado por ambas caras. Ya que cada ilustración abarca las dos hojas al momento de abrirlo. Y sobre la ilustración esta la narración. Al final hay actividades para desarrollar la comprensión lectora, tales como: preguntas multiple choice sobre el cuento, preguntas para desarrollar, en las cuáles hay una que me ha encantado y me parece genial para tratar con los mas pequeños, se las muestro a continuación:
En el cuento aparece una niña que llora rabiosamente porque quiere chocolate. ¿Te parece razonable llorar por algo así? ¿Qué le dirías a esa niña si a tuvieras delante? ¿Has llorado tú por algo parecido en alguna ocasión?
También pueden encontrar una sopa de letras y una parte de vocabulario.
En fin que lo tiene todo! Muy muy recomendado!
Nos muestra a la pequeña ladrona de lágrimas, una niña que sale por las noches en busca de las lágrimas de los mas pequeños. Éstas son de lo mas variadas. Cada color pertenece a un sentimiento distinto. Son rojas aquellas que son de rabia, verdes las de envidia o celos, blancas las del miedo, amarillas las de culpa, etc.
Pero las más hermosas, aquellas que brillan con mas intensidad, son las generadas por una tristeza real y profunda.
Así la ladrona de lágrimas será atraída por una pequeña niña que llora buscando a su perrito perdido, y a ella le contará la verdadera historia de sus andanzas y qué hace con todas las lágrimas recogidas durante la noche.
La ladrona de lágrimas es una historia ideal para los mas pequeños, para que puedan descubrir las distintas emociones que nos llevan a las lagrimas y procesar la profundidad de cada uno de ellas.
En cuanto a la edición. El libro viene ilustrado por ambas caras. Ya que cada ilustración abarca las dos hojas al momento de abrirlo. Y sobre la ilustración esta la narración. Al final hay actividades para desarrollar la comprensión lectora, tales como: preguntas multiple choice sobre el cuento, preguntas para desarrollar, en las cuáles hay una que me ha encantado y me parece genial para tratar con los mas pequeños, se las muestro a continuación:
En el cuento aparece una niña que llora rabiosamente porque quiere chocolate. ¿Te parece razonable llorar por algo así? ¿Qué le dirías a esa niña si a tuvieras delante? ¿Has llorado tú por algo parecido en alguna ocasión?
También pueden encontrar una sopa de letras y una parte de vocabulario.
En fin que lo tiene todo! Muy muy recomendado!
June 9, 2025
Love the illustrations, not so much the story.
May 13, 2020
Beautiful book, great for exploring emotions, especially the different reasons why people get sad.
April 19, 2015
Beautiful, poignant and moving, a wonderful tale to read to a young child dealing with a spectrum of emotions. The illustrations are breathtakingly soulful too. A perfect bedtime read.
April 24, 2023
I discovered this book while taking Carol Ann Duffy’s writing course on the Beeb’s Maestro site. I went looking for her work for children and this popped up. Now, I’m not a fan of Carol’s work for adults but thought maybe her books for children would better suit me. When I found this I was awestruck! It is one of the most beautiful picture/storybooks I’ve ever read. The illustrations by, Nicoletta Cecoli are out of this world. I wish her name on the front cover was large enough for us to read without squinting. She deserves much praise for her work in this gorgeous book.
Carol Ann’s text is … I don’t have the words. Only a poet of great standing could write as beautifully as this. Her words flows with heart and tenderness while at the same time causing mild concern. Where is this story going? Who is this beautiful creature? Why is she taking joy in stealing tears from upset children? So many emotions and confusion and suspense, and wonder, and yes, even a little fear at times.
This book is intriguing, entertaining and delightful. It is a celestial gem of a book. I highly recommend it for all ages. Because everyone cries at least once in their lifetime and we all should know how this story ends.
Carol Ann’s text is … I don’t have the words. Only a poet of great standing could write as beautifully as this. Her words flows with heart and tenderness while at the same time causing mild concern. Where is this story going? Who is this beautiful creature? Why is she taking joy in stealing tears from upset children? So many emotions and confusion and suspense, and wonder, and yes, even a little fear at times.
This book is intriguing, entertaining and delightful. It is a celestial gem of a book. I highly recommend it for all ages. Because everyone cries at least once in their lifetime and we all should know how this story ends.
September 20, 2023
Buku ini untuk bacaan kanak-kanak. Saya membaca buku ini kerana punya keinginan untuk membaca yang kuat tetapi bukan membaca sesuatu yang berat. Saya lihat tajuk dan ilustrasinya menarik, maka saya akhirnya melengkapkan bacaan dalam sekitar tujuh minit.
Antara perkara yang membuatkan saya suka buku ini ialah hal tentang emosi sedih dan menangis. Ada kanak-kanak yang menangis kerana tidak mahu menggunakan syampu misalnya, ada yang menangis hingga tertidur, dan ada juga yang menangis kerana kehilangan haiwan belaan.
Bukankah hal ini juga berlaku kepada orang dewasa? Saya antaranya. Kandungan buku ini mungkin ringan bagi segelintir pembaca namun, kita dapat belajar bahawa sedih lalu menangis sememangnya sifat manusia. Semoga kita juga sentiasa meraikan emosi yang tidak menggembirakan kita.
Antara perkara yang membuatkan saya suka buku ini ialah hal tentang emosi sedih dan menangis. Ada kanak-kanak yang menangis kerana tidak mahu menggunakan syampu misalnya, ada yang menangis hingga tertidur, dan ada juga yang menangis kerana kehilangan haiwan belaan.
Bukankah hal ini juga berlaku kepada orang dewasa? Saya antaranya. Kandungan buku ini mungkin ringan bagi segelintir pembaca namun, kita dapat belajar bahawa sedih lalu menangis sememangnya sifat manusia. Semoga kita juga sentiasa meraikan emosi yang tidak menggembirakan kita.
October 29, 2020
The mysterious fairy-like Tear Thief, visible only as a reflection in a puddle, creeps into town at night, listening for the sound of crying. She snatches a tear from a boy in the bathtub, many from a girl in a tantrum, and some from fighting twins. In her collecting sack, the tears are jewels, coloured according to their cause, but the most valuable are the tears of real sadness. When the Tear Thief passes a girl crying these tears, the girl sees her in a puddle and asks about why she collects them. The Tear Thief tells her that the light of the moon is made of tears, but the most beautiful light comes from the tears of sadness. The girl is crying because she has lost her dog. When she finds it and goes home, she sees the beauty of the moonlight and remembers the Tear Thief.
January 13, 2023
I read two books by Carol Ann Duffy today as I worked through a box of books donated to the nonprofit where I volunteer. I hadn't heard of her before and was not at all surprised to find that she is not just a writer of children's illustrated books but also of poetry. This poetic story about the collector of tears is heartwarming and lovely. The descriptions of different kinds of tears will be something that parents could use to talk to children. The beautiful illustrations of the children and the ethereal image of the Tear Thief are enchanting.
August 15, 2017
"The Tear Thief" by Carol Ann Duffy is an original and creative read about a tear thief who collects the tears of children. What I liked most about this was the way the tear thief was described physically - the way her physical characteristics were told, including her clothes, as well.
January 10, 2019
09/01/19-
My class really enjoyed this way more than I did. They knew it wasn't real but honestly, they didn't mind. Good for the beginning of my PSHE lesson on interpreting other people's feelings.
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Using this for my PSHE observation - 3.5*
Talks about tears and emotions. Hopefully, the children will find it okay. I'm going to tell them them dog's okay because the girl worries the dog is missing.
My class really enjoyed this way more than I did. They knew it wasn't real but honestly, they didn't mind. Good for the beginning of my PSHE lesson on interpreting other people's feelings.
_______________________________________________________
Using this for my PSHE observation - 3.5*
Talks about tears and emotions. Hopefully, the children will find it okay. I'm going to tell them them dog's okay because the girl worries the dog is missing.
February 8, 2022
I read this story to my mixed year 2/3 class and they loved it!
The text is full of similes, fronted fronted adverbials and conjunctions. It's a great book to introduce children to these key english skills and allows children to explore the theme of emotions throughout.
However, I would recommend this story for lower key stage 2 than key stage 1.
The text is full of similes, fronted fronted adverbials and conjunctions. It's a great book to introduce children to these key english skills and allows children to explore the theme of emotions throughout.
However, I would recommend this story for lower key stage 2 than key stage 1.
June 3, 2024
The Tear Thief has such a beautiful message.
At night lurking in the shadows is the Tear Thief, she collect the tears of sad children who cry. But what does she do with these tears?
Carol Ann Duffy has written this book in such an amazing way. The flow and emotion of the story is breath taking.
At night lurking in the shadows is the Tear Thief, she collect the tears of sad children who cry. But what does she do with these tears?
Carol Ann Duffy has written this book in such an amazing way. The flow and emotion of the story is breath taking.
April 12, 2020
This book has poetic language and lovely illustrations, but I wanted the Tear Thief to do something truly wonderful with the collected tears. Lighting up the moon with them seemed trite.
I read this as an illustrated e-book during the Covid-19 quarantine.
2.5 stars
I read this as an illustrated e-book during the Covid-19 quarantine.
2.5 stars
December 20, 2017
Quite magical and fantastical story. It was about the power of tears
January 9, 2019
Was slightly disappointed in this book. I liked how the tear thief took children’s reason for tears away, but I thought it was building up to a bigger meaning.
March 7, 2019
A lovely book to read to my class. (Year 3)
Read
March 4, 2020Mama read this to me and a few friends during early care at school.
February 8, 2021
Beautiful story and illustrations for older elementary.
February 16, 2021
Quite a good read for children as well. It’s not the normal fairy tale that they usually read
May 4, 2021
A nice story for younger children.
May 28, 2023
Read it with class. Bought for my daughters, they enjoyed it - beautiful illustrations.
February 9, 2024
I love the message of this book. It’s a great way to help clients process grief and loss in a gentle way.
February 9, 2025
Lovely story, my year 3s loved it.
January 19, 2026
Beautiful book….illustrations and prose.
December 28, 2019
Precioso libro infantil. Maravillosas ilustraciones! Muy recomendable.
December 14, 2017
it's an utterly charming story in which the tear thief collects the tears of children and we learn why genuine tears are the most precious of all.. the illustrations are so mystical, it is no less than a visual treat!
February 26, 2016
The Tear Thief is a dreamy, fairy like character, almost a shadow. With waxen but childish features and clothes, she isn’t at all frightening but mystical and gentle. She climbs into homes collecting the tears of all children who are crying. But it is the tears of those children who are genuinely sad that are the most precious and, by the end of the book, the reader will discover the magical reason why.
The gorgeous illustrations and charming story make this a book for children to treasure. They will return to it time and time again, finding something new to discover each time they look at the stunning illustrations and listen to the story. A modern fairytale, it is perfect to share with a child who is upset or enjoys a beautifully written tale. More able readers of 8 or 9 years old will love exploring the richness of the language and I can envisage teachers using this book as a model to help junior aged children write their own modern fairy tale.
The gorgeous illustrations and charming story make this a book for children to treasure. They will return to it time and time again, finding something new to discover each time they look at the stunning illustrations and listen to the story. A modern fairytale, it is perfect to share with a child who is upset or enjoys a beautifully written tale. More able readers of 8 or 9 years old will love exploring the richness of the language and I can envisage teachers using this book as a model to help junior aged children write their own modern fairy tale.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews