Picture Book review: The Little Thing by Nick Cave

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Published on Sunday, 21 November 2021 13:46

Last Updated on 19 November 2021

Monica Costa

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After Paul McCartney’s picture book, here’s another debut children’s book by another legendary music artist and writer, Nick Cave. The Little Thing has been written for his young neighbour in lockdown. This has been a real passion project for Nick, who has both written and illustrated the story. The Little Thing poses a huge question to its young readers – “what am I?”, and celebrates curiosity, friendship, self-acceptance and self-celebration. 

Every purchase includes a lovely free download code for The Little Thing talking book, which is read by Nick Cave, with music by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. The book is printed and bound by Narayana Press in Denmark.

Nick’s first book was published in 1988, and collaborations, fiction, screenplays, biography and blogging have been a part of his artistic output, in addition to his song writing, ever since. 

Nick Cave has said about this publication: ‘The Little Thing’ is a story I wrote for my three-year-old neighbour, Esme. I drew the pictures too, in case you’re wondering. It is the tale of a little thing that goes on an epic adventure to discover the true nature of its identity. “What am I?” asks The Little Thing.  Along the way, it meets a cast of diverse characters—including a tomato, a toilet roll, a showerhead, a cupcake, and a corn on the cob, that guide The Little Thing toward its final joyous realisation. 

The Little Thing is now available exclusively via Cave Things, Nick Cave’s online shop which launched in summer 2020, and is available to pre-order from here.

The price of £20 seems a bit high for a picture book but if you are a fan of Nick Cave you might enjoy the added download. 

The book is suitable for children aged 3 to 5.