The book simply but effectively shows how everyone wants to fit in and be welcomed and loved regardless of their appearance. The message here of course is that children are more open to differences and accepting of others, seen in how the children invite Beegu into their playground games without question. The basic plot taps into common childhood fears: being lost, being separated from your parents and being rejection by others. The adults are invariably portrayed as hostile towards and fearful of those who are different, as Beegu remarks: ‘…Earth creatures were mostly big and unfriendly…’ although children come off better: ‘but there were some small ones who seemed hopeful’.

She is more akin to a cuddly toy than an alien. Imaginary beings are often the staple of nonsense verse and comic writing (think, for example, of Spike Milligan’s Bongaloo, or Lewis Carroll’s Jabberwocky) but Beegu’s rotund features naturally endear her to children because of her cuddly appearance and her vulnerable size, which makes her more easy for children to identify with. And both seem to ultimately say that while we can find kindred spirits, our place lies with those who are most like us.īeegu is a small, yellow creature that looks rather like a three-eyed rabbit. Both show that children have the capacity to accept the extraordinary and that adults are prone to suspicion and prejudice. Both seek to explore what happens to outsiders and the sorts of friendships that can be forged between unlikely pairs. Sam’s review: Now I’ve had time to mull over this book, I realize that it reminds me of that tearjerker of a film – E.T. No one seems able to understand her or wants to help her, particularly the adults, who view her as a nuisance at best. Will she be able to get back to where she belongs? What it’s about: When Beegu ends up stranded on Earth after her spacecraft crashes, she wanders around in search of help and friendship while she waits for a signal from her mother to say she is coming to rescue her. It’s Sam too, flying solo, as Holly has been a little busy lately! Today’s review is of Beegu by Alexis Deacon.

Beegu book