The Thing at 52 (Hardcover)
There’s a Thing on my street.
He lives at number 52.
I see him sitting in his front yard when I walk to school.
He was big and lumbering and a wore a tiny top hat perched on top of his rather large head. She didn’t think he had any friends, so she brought him a flower.
It wasn’t long before their friendship bloomed…the Thing was gentle and kind and the adventures they went on were the best she could ever imagine.
The girl soon discovered that there were many Things, living all over the place…which gave her an idea. She invited them all to a party, and the Things danced till midnight. Thing had never felt so happy.
But one day the Thing had to go and their adventures came to an end.
All Things have to go sometime…
In this poignant story, discover how small acts of kindness can grow into great friendships, and how the community you build from those friendships can provide comfort and companionship when you need it most.
Written by the beloved children’s author Ross Montgomery, and illustrated by the incredible Richard Johnson, The Thing at 52 offers a comfortable starting point for discussing difficult topics with children. The book’s magic will draw you back again and again.
Ross Montgomery has worked as a pig farmer, a postman and an elementary school teacher, so obviously writing books was the next logical step. He spent his childhood reading everything he could get his hands on, from Jacqueline Wilson to Beano annuals, and it taught him pretty much everything that’s worth knowing. If you looked through his pockets you’d find empty potato chip packets, lists of things to do, and a bottle of that stuff you put on your nails to stop you biting them. He lives in London with his girlfriend, a cat called Fun Bobby, and a cactus on every available surface.
Richard Johnson is an illustrator whose picture books have been published by Penguin, Faber & Faber, Macmillan, DK, and many others. His work is deeply thoughtful and conjures up powerful atmospheres with detailed, delicate pencil strokes.
"a truly beautiful book that will cause many an insightful conversation between a young child and their parent, or teacher, when read together."—The Independent Children's Book of the Week
“A young girl befriends a monster in this poignant exploration of loneliness which is stunningly illustrated by Richard Johnson.”—The Bookseller
“What a wonderful way to introduce the concept of loss, memories and new beginnings to children.”—Grief Encounter
"a beautiful story about loneliness, loss and then moving on.” —Marmalade Trust
"The Thing at 52 is a beautifully illustrated book and a very simple but meaningful story covering issues such as loneliness, befriending, loss, kindness, acceptance, friendship. The book I am sure would be enjoyed by young children, and also a starting point to look at some of the important issues mentioned and discuss these topics with them. Some of these conversations are not always easy to introduce and the book and its outstanding illustrations are a delight and a good way of raising these subjects."—SupportLine
“Each page is stunningly illustrated and so pleasing to the eye, which everyone will enjoy.”—The Herald
"Heartwarming and insightful.”—The Sunday Post
"Powerfully atmospheric and bursting with soft colour, Richard Johnson's pencil illustrations create a world that shines with emotion."—Books for Keeps