The toy box has erupted and the toys are perched high, dangling low, hanging by a thread. Bard, the old bear, has been lucky enough to land in the underwear drawer and from there is able to assist his friends, if only they will follow his daring directions. By a Thread is about heroism in small places, all the different kinds of courage a child can draw upon. The text rhymes, and its rhythm takes the tongue on a rollicking ride. Even the most determined reader will not be able to read the story silently.
"The book design and zany illustrations by Graham Ross give By a Thread a very contemporary exuberance."
"Ned Dickens, playwright by trade, writes with a wonderful Suessical rhythm mand rhyme...utterly charming."
"A captivating picture book that will delight ages 4 to 8 again and again."
"This rollicking rhyming story is enormously fun, not only to the ear, but to the eye."
"Bright, lively, inventive, and a great deal of fun to read aloud as a whole, or with young assistance, By a Thread is a joy. Graham Ross's lively colourful illustrations are the perfect accompaniment."
"A fun read-a-loud with expressive illustrations by Graham Ross that will delight the reader."
"A book that can be read and reread and enjoyed each time."
"Highly Recommended."
"Text and pictures burst with energy."
"If only toy-box volcanoes erupted everywhere."
Chaos ensues when the toy box in Beo’s bedroom erupts. Can Beo and the toys find a way back to safety? Acrylic, collage and watercolour pencil illustrations capture this funny rhyming story.
Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Canadian Children’s Book News. 2006.