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Look What I've Got!
Jeremy keeps trying to impress Sam by boasting of all his belongings and activities but in the end it is Sam who has the last word and the last laugh
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 20, 1980
About the author
Anthony Browne
168 books317 followersAnthony Browne, a Hans Christian Andersen Medalist, is the author-illustrator of many acclaimed books for children, including Silly Billy and Little Beauty. He lives in Kent, England.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 3, 2019
This book could be used to stimulate discussions of friendships and behaviour towards others.
May 24, 2020
What a great book and so many secret messages! I love what a great friend Sam is and how he never gets bothered about what he doesn’t have.
May 12, 2012
This Anthony Browne book is a favourite of mine. It tells the story of two boys named Jeremy and Sam. Jeremy is a show-off who persists to boast about all of his belongings to try to make Sam jealous. Jeremy, it seems, has everything, a new bicycle, a pirate outfit and an enormous bag of lollipops, but he won't share anything with Sam. However, in the end we see that Jeremy’s selfishness gets its come-uppance.
I think this modern morality story teaches children that if you treat people badly you will get exactly what you deserve. This is a great story to introduce to KS1 children to teach them about the importance of sharing and being kind to others. All in all, a very enjoyable read!
I think this modern morality story teaches children that if you treat people badly you will get exactly what you deserve. This is a great story to introduce to KS1 children to teach them about the importance of sharing and being kind to others. All in all, a very enjoyable read!
April 17, 2018
This is a brilliant book with a clever story which may have been missed on some people. ‘Look What I’ve Got!’ seems like a simple story but there’s a clever message in this story which some kids may need explaining.
The book is a little smaller than A4 in size and is filled with thick glossy and colourful pages. The tale seems quite simple, Sam goes for a walk and during this walk he meets Jeremy who shows off his new bicycle to Sam “Look what I’ve got! I bet you wish you had one.” Jeremy doesn’t let Sam ride his bike, instead he just shows it off. But Sam doesn’t seem bothered. The story continues along this familiar theme, Jeremy constantly showing off what he has but never sharing it with Sam.
The illustrations are very clever and there is much more to each picture than first appears. The pictures are nice and clear but all the clever little extras you see make this quite a detailed book too. For example there are ears on the wall ‘The walls have ears’ and the drain pipe in the same picture looks like a snowman when you take a few minutes to spot it! All these strange images give the book a really surreal, Dali-like feel and it makes it very fun for both adults and kids to spot all the little things.
The story has a simple end which is satisfying if you understand the message of the tale, but it may be lost on some kids without adults pointing out what this book is really about. I’m not spoiling the actual story of Sam and Jeremy but I don’t feel I’d do justice to how brilliant this book is without saying that it’s all about the power of imagination. Although everywhere Sam goes might seem normal at first, his imagination conjures up all sorts of strange things. The main message of the book is that imagination is far better than all the material things that Jeremy has and it’s this that makes the book such an amazing read and one I’d really recommend.
All the illustrations are great, I especially like the fish images in the park as well as the hidden things in the last page, however there is an image of a park keeper that looks like Adolf Hitler which may shock some people. This book was first published in 1980 though, when I believe Hitler was a more known character among both the adults and kids. Although an Amazon reviewer has pointed out the Hitler reference and complained about it, I believe that it’s simply Sam’s imagination creating a Hitler likeness for the park keeper (what he sees as a very bad/evil man) and if the book had been written today it may have been an image of Voldemort or some other character which kids know to be bad. I still believe this book can be read to kids today, they just need to be told that this park keeper looks like a very bad man from history and they can learn more about it when they are older.
Overall I really do like this book. The message of imagination over material things is so clever and one that many kids these days may benefit from. I also think many kids may relate to Sam, I certainly did as I couldn’t have a wealth of toys when I was younger but my imagination was very strong. A great book both kids and adults will enjoy.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy (as part of the Anthony Browne collection).
The book is a little smaller than A4 in size and is filled with thick glossy and colourful pages. The tale seems quite simple, Sam goes for a walk and during this walk he meets Jeremy who shows off his new bicycle to Sam “Look what I’ve got! I bet you wish you had one.” Jeremy doesn’t let Sam ride his bike, instead he just shows it off. But Sam doesn’t seem bothered. The story continues along this familiar theme, Jeremy constantly showing off what he has but never sharing it with Sam.
The illustrations are very clever and there is much more to each picture than first appears. The pictures are nice and clear but all the clever little extras you see make this quite a detailed book too. For example there are ears on the wall ‘The walls have ears’ and the drain pipe in the same picture looks like a snowman when you take a few minutes to spot it! All these strange images give the book a really surreal, Dali-like feel and it makes it very fun for both adults and kids to spot all the little things.
The story has a simple end which is satisfying if you understand the message of the tale, but it may be lost on some kids without adults pointing out what this book is really about. I’m not spoiling the actual story of Sam and Jeremy but I don’t feel I’d do justice to how brilliant this book is without saying that it’s all about the power of imagination. Although everywhere Sam goes might seem normal at first, his imagination conjures up all sorts of strange things. The main message of the book is that imagination is far better than all the material things that Jeremy has and it’s this that makes the book such an amazing read and one I’d really recommend.
All the illustrations are great, I especially like the fish images in the park as well as the hidden things in the last page, however there is an image of a park keeper that looks like Adolf Hitler which may shock some people. This book was first published in 1980 though, when I believe Hitler was a more known character among both the adults and kids. Although an Amazon reviewer has pointed out the Hitler reference and complained about it, I believe that it’s simply Sam’s imagination creating a Hitler likeness for the park keeper (what he sees as a very bad/evil man) and if the book had been written today it may have been an image of Voldemort or some other character which kids know to be bad. I still believe this book can be read to kids today, they just need to be told that this park keeper looks like a very bad man from history and they can learn more about it when they are older.
Overall I really do like this book. The message of imagination over material things is so clever and one that many kids these days may benefit from. I also think many kids may relate to Sam, I certainly did as I couldn’t have a wealth of toys when I was younger but my imagination was very strong. A great book both kids and adults will enjoy.
-Thanks to Walker Books for a free copy (as part of the Anthony Browne collection).
September 3, 2017
There's such great pleasure in watching patiently for someone who most deserves it to have karma jump out and get them. Especially when they're like Jeremy who loves to make the other kids feel bad for not being as lucky as him!
This is a story with a moral message about being a good person, even when other people might not be. It's told through the pictures a lot more than it is through the narrative, so you really have to make sure your little reader is paying attention to both which is a great challenge (for you and them!) which was a clever addition to the book.
The illustrations are colourful and fill the entire page with crazy goings on which keeps things interesting. Definitely a good book for the easily distracted!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story with a moral message about being a good person, even when other people might not be. It's told through the pictures a lot more than it is through the narrative, so you really have to make sure your little reader is paying attention to both which is a great challenge (for you and them!) which was a clever addition to the book.
The illustrations are colourful and fill the entire page with crazy goings on which keeps things interesting. Definitely a good book for the easily distracted!
ARC provided free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2018
Although it is a simple story, there are various message behind it. Firstly, it teaches children the importance of sharing and being kind to others and secondly, it teaches children to value imagination over possessions. I absolutely love Anthony Browne's illustrations which are full of beautiful detail, pattern and expression. He always manages to capture a sense of isolation and loneliness in his characters and his exquisite detail in drawing human and gorilla faces used to fascinate me as a child!
January 4, 2018
a very fun book to read with kids because they can discover so much extra stuff in the illustrations
March 18, 2018
Needs 20 stars really, brilliant pictures, funny interesting plot, hidden pirates! Yes. A Keeper.
November 8, 2018
Not one of my favourite Browne books but very interesting. A little bit sad too but lots of good discussions could come from this.
January 3, 2019
Illustrates that sometimes people are just plain mean. Odd book.
September 23, 2019
PSHE
o Kindness
o Materialism
o Friendship
English
o Write a nicer extension
o Kindness
o Materialism
o Friendship
English
o Write a nicer extension
October 2, 2020
A thought provoking book about showing off and being a bit mean
Read
September 12, 2022This is a good book about sharing. It really make children feel how not sharing things can impact others.
May 8, 2023
Nice story for children with a thoughtful theme.
December 5, 2024
Beautiful illustration. Good message !
December 10, 2017
One of Browne's earliest books - but look where it sits...just after "Walk in the Park" and "Bear Hunt" and before "Hansel and Gretel". This was one of Browne's most fertile creative periods, pre-gorilla but the trademark artistic styles and experimentation with magical realism forming.
The story is a simple one, asking the reader which is more valuable, imagination or possessions. The pictures are full of trademark details to complement the hero's exuberant hairdo.
The story is a simple one, asking the reader which is more valuable, imagination or possessions. The pictures are full of trademark details to complement the hero's exuberant hairdo.
February 26, 2015
Look What I've Got by Anthony Browne follows a young boy who keeps being overshadowed by a friend who always has something cooler or better than him. I really like this book because of the clear messages it brings to young students. Even though they might not realize them at first, this book is full of positive and beneficial messages to any young minds. Another aspect of this book I enjoy is the attention to detail the illustrations in this book have. Each page has a central idea relating to the content of that page, but it is also filled with random little animals or trinkets. The attention to detail makes this book a lot more of an interesting read. Each page does not have a copious amount of words on it, so the illustrations are what carry it along just that much more.
This book could be used for a few different purposes within the classroom. First, it could be looked at as portraying the message of being happy with what you are given. For instance in this book, Jeremy thinks he is making Sam extremely jealous with all of the cool things he has, but the book ends with Jeremy looking and truly appreciating nature. With the growing technology use in our young people, sometimes it is important to remind them of the beauty and importance of nature. This whole book is about showing all the cool items Jeremy has, so this book could be a useful tool in the introduction to a show and tell time or just when students all bring in something sentimental to them. Showing off their favorite toys or items that are close to heart is something students love to do and this book could be a great starter. The word choice and content of this book is very simple so a kindergarten or first grade audience would probably appeal to this book the most.
This book could be used for a few different purposes within the classroom. First, it could be looked at as portraying the message of being happy with what you are given. For instance in this book, Jeremy thinks he is making Sam extremely jealous with all of the cool things he has, but the book ends with Jeremy looking and truly appreciating nature. With the growing technology use in our young people, sometimes it is important to remind them of the beauty and importance of nature. This whole book is about showing all the cool items Jeremy has, so this book could be a useful tool in the introduction to a show and tell time or just when students all bring in something sentimental to them. Showing off their favorite toys or items that are close to heart is something students love to do and this book could be a great starter. The word choice and content of this book is very simple so a kindergarten or first grade audience would probably appeal to this book the most.
May 4, 2012
Anthony Browne has written some amazing books. This one didn't appeal to me so much. Sam of course has Amazing hair. Jeremy is a very obnoxious, show-off kind of kid. Sam does show that he is better than him, despite all the things Jeremy gets. As with any Browne book there are amazing little, funny details in the illustrations.
September 19, 2011
I remember reading as a kid and loving the scene outside the lolly shop and not fully understanding the story.
And today as I was reading it, again it was the lolly shop scene with the rainbow lollipop that drew me in!
There is something about rainbow food that is very appealing to me...
And today as I was reading it, again it was the lolly shop scene with the rainbow lollipop that drew me in!
There is something about rainbow food that is very appealing to me...
June 9, 2013
weirdest illustrated kids book i've seen in a long, long time. that obnoxious kid in the neighborhood that always had more/better things than you? he finds out karma is a bitch. but look at the backgrounds.
February 12, 2016
I did enjoy reading this as have grown to be a fan of Browne. Found it slightly more abstract than others he's written. Like his other work excellent illustrations with lots to discuss. Looks at humility and being grateful. Nice opportunity for PSHE work.
December 13, 2015
Anthony Browne is one of the Picturebook Kings!
April 27, 2017
Anthony Browne strikes again with teaching lessons to young children. In this book, two boys go through the story with one of them bragging to the other about all the stuff they have, in the end the boy doesn't care about what the other has, and learns that it's okay to not compete with what other people have.
This book is so good for children. A lot of the time kids like to compare all the things they have, and if one child doesn't have enough, they usually get sad about it. This book teaches children that it's not okay to brag, and to be thankful for what one already has. The simple pictures and easy texts make it good for a read aloud as well as for a child to read on their own.
This book is so good for children. A lot of the time kids like to compare all the things they have, and if one child doesn't have enough, they usually get sad about it. This book teaches children that it's not okay to brag, and to be thankful for what one already has. The simple pictures and easy texts make it good for a read aloud as well as for a child to read on their own.
October 11, 2017
AB using his surrealist Magritte style. Obnoxious Jeremy who always has new things and wants others to feel jealous, particularly Sam, who shows us he has mor social skills than Jeremy could ever hope to possess. We've all known the child who seems to have everything...
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews