The Book of Everything facts for kids
The Book of Everything (its Dutch name is Het boek van alle dingen) is a children's novel by a Dutch writer named Guus Kuijer. It was first published in 2004. This book won a special award called the Gouden Griffel in 2005. The English version came out in 2006.
Contents
What is The Book of Everything About?
This story takes place in Amsterdam and is about a nine-year-old boy named Thomas. Thomas sees things that no one else can. For example, he sees invisible hail and even tropical fish swimming in the canal!
Thomas lives with his parents and his older sister, Margot. Their family life is not always easy. Their father is very strict and often makes everyone feel scared. He is also very religious but seems to be afraid of what others think.
Thomas keeps a special diary he calls his "Book of Everything." In this book, he writes down all his thoughts and everything he sees.
Main Characters in the Story
Thomas
Thomas is the main character and hero of the book. Even though he is young, he is very smart and brave enough to ask important questions. He has visions where he talks to Jesus.
Thomas is described as a good boy with a lovely personality. He dreams of being happy when he grows up. The author even asks the older Thomas at the start if he became happy, and the answer is "Yes."
Thomas has several friends, including Eliza, a girl with a special leg and a hurt hand. Thomas writes her a love letter and later tells Jesus he will marry her, receiving a blessing.
Margot
Margot is Thomas's older sister. Thomas sometimes thinks she is not very smart, but much of that is just an act. She has a special way of knowing things.
During a difficult moment when their father is being very threatening, Margot bravely grabs a carving knife. She stands up to her father, saying she has had enough. Thomas's respect for her grows a lot as the story continues. He notices that she becomes very brave, like a "witch" who is no longer afraid.
Father
The father has a very strict personality. He does not believe in being kind or showing mercy. He often says that "only good-for-nothings and weaklings are happy. Life is a struggle."
He keeps himself away from other people. The story shows that he can be a bit of a coward. He is also very religious and tries to raise his family according to his own strict rules.
Mother
The mother is very kind to her son, Thomas. She tries to hide the fact that her husband treats her poorly. She often tries to protect Thomas when he makes mistakes.
She agrees to start a "Reading Aloud" club with Mrs. van Amersfoort. This club helps both her and Thomas to grow and become stronger.
Mrs. van Amersfoort
Mrs. van Amersfoort is a woman who survived a war. Some people say she is a "witch." In the story, a "witch" means a woman who is no longer afraid. She lives in a very messy house and has two black cats.
Her husband was killed during World War II because he was part of the Resistance movement. She helps Thomas learn to stop being afraid. She also helps him when he tries to use the Plagues of Egypt to scare his father. She gives Thomas a special liquid to dye his aquarium red like blood and even helps summon frogs.
Mrs. van Amersfoort learns from Thomas too. She helps him and his mother stand up to his father and go against his strict rules. She is a very independent woman.
Eliza
Eliza is Margot's friend from school. She is sixteen years old. Thomas wrote her a letter telling her he thought she was beautiful. She has a leather leg that makes a creaking sound when she walks. She also has a missing finger on her left hand.
Eliza helps Thomas grow and become less afraid. Thomas notes that he plans to marry her when he is older. She is smart and is not afraid to show how amazed she is by Thomas.
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| Author | Richard Tulloch |
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| Cover artist | Emma Vine |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Play |
| Publisher | Currency Press |
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Publication date
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2011 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-86819-933-7 |
Stage Play Adaptation
The Book of Everything was turned into a play by an Australian writer named Richard Tulloch. The play was first performed by Company B Belvoir and Kim Carpenter’s Theatre of Image. It opened at the Belvoir St Upstairs Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on January 2, 2010.
The play had a talented cast, including:
- Margot: Alison Bell
- Father / Bumbiter: Peter Carroll
- Mrs. van Amersfoort: Julie Forsyth
- Musician: Iain Grandage
- Mother: Claire Jones
- Aunty Pie: Deborah Kennedy
- Jesus: John Leary
- Eliza: Yael Stone
- Thomas: Matthew Whittet
The director of the play was Neil Armfield. The set and costume designer was Kim Carpenter. Iain Grandage composed the music. Nigel Levings was the lighting designer. Julia Cotton was the choreographer, and Steve Francis was the sound designer.
This play was nominated for the award for Best Play at the 2010 Helpmann Awards. The script for the play was published in 2011 by Currency Press.
The play was also performed in other cities. It was shown off-Broadway at the New Victory Theater in New York City in 2012. It was also performed in Melbourne, Australia, in 2013.
