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< Picture Books Library
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner
Categories: Caring for the Environment, Gratitude

Sneaky Beak

An entertaining picture book about learning to be happy with what you have.
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Sneaky Beak

Author: Tracey Corderoy
Illustrator: Tony Neal
Publisher: Little Tiger

In an age where children are often bombarded with advertising and marketing, this story could open up a conversation about what we feel we want versus what we really need. It also may encourage children to recycle unwanted items. 

Hamster’s housemate, Bear, didn’t think he needed a bouncier bed, a bubblier bath or a crunchier granola maker, but that was before the entrepreneurial bird known as Sneaky Beak convinces him they’re to die for with some very persuasive ad campaigns. All the products are purchased and used with hilarious consequences (the gadgets, rather than benefitting Bear, turn out to be useless, messy, and in some cases explosive). 

It’s not until Sneaky Beak sells Bear a holiday rocket which blasts him off into outer space that Bear has the chance to consider how silly he’s been to prioritise acquiring new things over spending time with his best friend Hamster (who he misses terribly). Reunited, the pair decide to recycle the unwanted purchases, and Sneaky Beak is sent packing too! 

Gorgeously illustrated by Tony Neal (who is just brilliant at injecting the characters with emotion and humour), this would be a lovely book to share at bedtime with any child who has felt the magnetic pull of owning the latest toy or gadget.

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

  • It can be hard to resist the attraction of buying new things, particularly when they’re aggressively and cleverly marketed. Bear’s initial reaction to Sneaky Beak’s ‘must have’ products is skeptical, but the ‘fear of missing out’ soon begins to haunt him and he convinces himself he needs them. 

Guidance:

  • Bear becomes all-consumed by his new things, to the extent that he forgets that his friends are far more important than possessions, and experiences and friendship will ultimately bring him more happiness.  

Hope & Inspiration:

  • Bear and Hamster recycle their unwanted purchases rather than throwing them away. 

Categories: Caring for the Environment, Gratitude
Tags: co-operation, friends, gratitude, jealousy, persistence, recycling



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What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

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The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.