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Carol Ann Duffy
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The Tear Thief Paperback – Picture Book, May 1, 2018

by Carol Ann Duffy (Author), Nicoletta Ceccoli (Illustrator), Juliet Stevenson (Narrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 301 ratings
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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.
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 9 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 4
  5. Dimensions
    8.3 x 0.3 x 10.5 inches
  6. Publisher
    Barefoot Books
  7. Publication date
    May 1, 2018
  8. ISBN-10
    1846863945
  9. ISBN-13
    978-1846863943
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"...for children who can appreciate quiet, hearttugging fantasy with a mystical aura" – Booklist

"A modern fairytale, dreamy and poetic in the same way – and: a great goodnight story" – The Reading Castle

About the Author

Carol Ann Duffy is an acclaimed poet and playwright whose work is known and loved all over the world. She is the first woman to have held the position of Poet Laureate in Britain. Carol Ann lives in Manchester, UK, with her daughter, Ella.

Nicoletta Ceccoli studied at the State Institute of Art in Urbino, Italy. She has won international acclaim for her distinctive style, and is the recipient of multiple awards worldwide. Nicoletta lives in her native San Marino and has illustrated several picture books for Barefoot Books.

Juliet Stevenson is a stage and screen actress with many credits to her name, including Truly, Madly, Deeply; Emma; Bend It Like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile. She was awarded the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in Death and the Maiden.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barefoot Books; Revised ed. edition (May 1, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1846863945
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1846863943
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 9 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.3 x 0.3 x 10.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 301 ratings

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Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Ann Duffy

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
301 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

TheReadingCastle
5.0 out of 5 stars A fairytale for children and grown ups
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have to admit: I love barefoot books. I love their stories, their illustrations, that their books are more than a standard fairytale, that they bring the mystic and fascination back to books and let kids and parents step into a story.

One of our newer acquisitions, “The tear thief”, is a modern fairytale, dreamy and poetic in the same way – and: a great goodnight story! Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t know the tears around bedtime? If it’s the wailing during washing hair, the tantrum when the little one want’s chocolate as bedtime sweet, fighting between siblings or little boo-boos: The tear thief catches children’s tears. They turn into jewels, when she puts them in her little sack. But the most precious are the tears of pure sadness…

The tear thief lives “in every place where children cry”, is “old as joy and sorrow” – and is a wonderful, magical and modern fairytale for every child. And their parents!
One person found this helpful
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Scott W. Alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter said "Wow! That's a neat story!"
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2011
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This is a great "different" kind of story, great for girls looking for something new and "non-princessy". You can actually read it over and over without grimacing. The artwork is exceptional. I was initially a little concerned that this was going to be a scary story, (you aren't sure exactly what the tear thief does with all the tears until the end) but my 8 yr old daughter thought it was terrific. One of those bedtimes stories that makes you look at your child and smile.
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Allison Diehl
5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to teach an idea through story
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2016
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This is a beautiful story that teaches the difference between genuine tears of sorrow and "crocodile tears." The story is a bit sad, but also very thought provoking and it led to some interesting discussions with my son. The illustrations are dreamy, almost mesmerizing. I love the added touch of showing one of the girls in a scene with a hearing aid. This is truly a unique book.
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Mable
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun and pretty book to read
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2007
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The illustrations and the intriguing title attracted me to this book. The story is a little strange and I worried it might scare the kids, but it didn't. So we use this story to tease the kids about the Tear Thief coming when they start to get fussy. The kids seem to really enjoy this book, and the illustrations are very pretty.
3 people found this helpful
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Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars Good for children and grow ups
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017
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Beautiful art and nice story. My 5 y/o listened with her mouth open. I just enjoy the artwork.
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Barklestork
5.0 out of 5 stars Really good, excellent
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2018
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The story is touching, magical, and thoughtful, and the artwork is superb.
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signy pool
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful book
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2013
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Beautiful illustration, every nicoletta ceccoli book its a MUST have, i think hard cover its better, if you find it don't think it twice.
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Patricia
5.0 out of 5 stars For the Heart
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
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Just lovely.
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Top reviews from other countries

TK
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in India on January 14, 2017
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my kid just loved the story. Likes to listen to the audio cd also
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Maxine
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written and illustrated
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 26, 2016
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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.
3 people found this helpful
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A
1.0 out of 5 stars Overrated!
Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2019
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It was too sad ! The story wasn’t so strong as well
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Nic
5.0 out of 5 stars It has fantastic illustrations and beautiful language
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2015
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I work in a primary school and bought this book for myself after having studied it with Year 5. It has fantastic illustrations and beautiful language. The author is a poet and it certainly shows in the writing. All of the children engaged with the story and produced great work as a result of reading it. I believe this is a lovely book to have in your child's collection, not only for the magical story but also as a reference to the writing style adopted and the language and imagery used.
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Ciaran McCann
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars all day long!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 2, 2017
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I received this book yesterday and read it to my daughter last night! She was spell bound!! Its a great story line, pretty basic with pictures, but you can understand why when you read it. Maybe slightly 2 or 3 pages too long in my opinion. But i still give it 5 stars. Be ready for questions during each page from your children! The thought of tears being collected from a child's face will have your children very intrigued(Fairy collects every type of tear as well, which is all good). I would definitely recommend this book.
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