Most of us are familiar with the quote, "Life is a journey, not a destination." No other Children's tale sheds more truth on that particular saying then Shel Silvertein's touching masterpiece, "The Missing Piece."
In "The Missing Piece," a simplistic little shape, simply named "It" (whose not unlike Pac Man in appearance), embarks on an endless quest for fulfillment. "It" is missing a piece and desperately wants to find "Its" fit. Throughout this search, "It" endures a myriad of adventures that color and texture the story, as well as the struggles so many of us encounter on our path to make ourselves whole.
"It" rolls through sunshine, rain, fields, and jungles. "It" stops to cavort with flowers, worms, and butterflies. "It" loves the pleasant and enriching distractions it arrives upon while seeking out "its" missing piece -much like people do.
Silverstein's amazing gift for creating simplistic yet profound prose is highlighted in this heartwarming story. Your child will appreciate the rhythm of the tale as well as Silverstein's trademark illustrations.
More than just the basic appeal of cute pictures and bouncy poetic rhythm (that children adore), the grown adult may also find themselves deeply touched by the theme of wanting to find that perfectly complimentary counter-part. The often times harrowing, heart-wrenching, and formidable search for that ideal relationship.
There is a valuable lesson to be gleaned from "Its" encounters with potential missing pieces. Some pieces are too square, sharp, small, big, etc. A few situations arise where "It" feels it has found the perfect piece but gets rejected. Other times, "It" has grasped the perfect piece but doesn't hold tightly enough, and loses it. Then it gets another chance, but holds too tightly and causes it to break. All in all, certainly a tremendous lesson on how to treat those around us, particularly in relationships.
"The Missing Piece" is a life affirming classic that ultimately illuminates for the young reader the beauty and value of continuing to roll along singing merrily for more, despite whatever adversity or disappointments are thrown in the middle of one's trail through life.
Apprpriate Age for independent reading: 6 and up
Appropriate age for reading to: Pre-K and up
Where available for purchase: Widely available at Barnes and Noble, The Strand, Scholastic stores, Harper Collins Children's online store, Amazon, and www.shelsilverstein.com.
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