The Fate of Fausto; Oliver Jeffers

A man who believes he owns everything sets out to see what he has. Not content with claiming mountains, lakes, forest, sheep and flowers he sets off to claim more. When he meets the sea, the sea refuses to bow to Fausto’s demands and Fausto finds himself in a rather perilous situation…

The Fate of Fausto is a cautionary tale of greed and about laying claim to things that are not yours. We do not own nature or things in the natural world, we must learn to live with and appreciate them. Unfortunately for Fausto he learns the hard way.

The book is a reminder to ultimately be satisfied with what you have. If you are never enough without something, you’ll never be enough with it. Fausto is proof that no amount of demanding, screaming or foot-stamping can get you what you want.

A book that is so limited on text must make use of every word and Jeffers achieves this. The stark illustrations, largely presented on white backgrounds and dashed with florescent pink and yellow, are great for discussion.

Recommended for 6+.