The Something; Rebecca Cobb

When a boy loses a ball down a hole under the cherry tree in his garden he sets out to find out what is in the hole. The hole is dark and it is difficult to see anything. Everyone has an opinion as to what might be in the hole including friends, family, even the dog. Is it the home of a little mouse? Could it be full of frogs? A hungry troll? A dragon’s den? A mole? A badger? Rabbits? Will the boy get his ball back and will he find out what actually lives in the hole underneath they cherry tree…

This is a lovely book that is a celebration of curiosity and the wondrous nature of childhood. The boy is fascinated by the hole and he spends much time observing and deliberating over what might be in there. The seasons change in the story but the hole remains same. We never find out what is actually in the hole and I love this. It leaves it up to the reader to decide. Maybe you’ll agree with one of the suggestions in the book or perhaps you will have your own ideas as to what might be living in the hole, this is the beauty of childhood wonder and imagination.

The lovely illustrations show the action above the ground and speculate as to what might be beneath. The underground illustrations are full of creativity and feature a badger enjoying a crossword puzzle, a knitting mole and plenty of frogs. Look out for the red ball that is hiding in all of the underground illustrations.

Sometimes it is better not to know the whole truth but to let your imagination run wild and free and make up the most incredible stories.

Recommended for 5+.