Burglar Bill (Picture Puffins)

Rating:
Summary: Burgalar Bill
Review: Burglar Bill is an interesting story for me as it shows a profession which is usually stereotyped, in a different light. Bill eventually reforms his bad habits, but even when he is at his thieving worst he is portrayed sympathetically. Bill take showers attention on the little baby, perhaps to make up for attention he himself missed. I suppose some people might object to this book on the grounds that it makes light of such a serious matter. For me however it simply points out that everybody who commits a crime is not a demonic monster. I think this is helpful as those who never consider themselves as potential criminals, never consider the ways to return to a lawful lifestyle. Three strikes and you're out. Burglar Bill is a perfect metaphor for the bad little boy in the class. He is not the little devil that adults and other children often imagine him to be. In many ways he has an admirable personality, it is just that he does things which get him into trouble. Most of the things Bill steals are hardly worth the effort. Why would anyone want to steal a can of baked beans? Likewise most of the things which a teacher or parent might class as naughty, are just ridiculous. It is the fact that someone else is getting hurt which adds gravity to the situation. Perhaps he just hasn't been able to imagine himself in the place of the other person. He needs it pointed out to him. This is exactly what happens to Bill. It is not until he himself is burgled that he can see that what he is doing is wrong. Noticeably Bill does learn from his mistakes, perhaps the naughty little boy can too.

Rating:
Summary: Kids will love it
Review: This is a charming children's book. I adored it as a kid. The book really plays to the innocence of children by making Bill a gentle burglar who means no harm.