The Missing Piece

Do we ever feel whole or are we always searching for that elusive something that will make us complete? That question is explored in this tale of a child seeking and finding connections.

Sunny loves to do jigsaws, the more pieces the better and finishing one makes her feel all warm inside though she sometimes worries that if she completes every single jigsaw puzzle she might feel forever sad. Her Gran questions whether it’s really finishing puzzles that makes her happy. One day Gran gives her an old box containing a one thousand piece jigsaw. Piece by piece Sunny fits the picture together but then, disaster! The final piece is missing.

Now, being a very determined child, Sunny sets out to find that vital piece. Her search leads her to encounters with a variety of people from different households. The day passes rapidly and she makes lots of new friends but of the puzzle piece there is no sign until evening falls and she gets back home. What Sunny has found, so she tells Gran, is that looking for something is as enjoyable as finding it; and as for the puzzle piece, maybe Gran has something to reveal too.

The author’s late grandmothers were his inspiration for this beautiful debut picture book story that contains a powerful message about empathy, opening our hearts and minds to what life’s journey has to offer, and the importance of family and friends. I love his descriptions of the various homes Sunny calls at and positive responses she receives from the young residents.

Equally uplifting and heart-warming are debut illustrator, Beth Suzanna’s bold, bright scenes of Sunny’s learning journey as she searches for wholeness.