The Real Thief

Author: Steig, William

Interest age: from c 7 years

Published on 30 July 2026 by PUSHKIN PRESS (Pushkin Children's Books) in the United Kingdom as part of 'the Pushkin Children’s Classics' series.

Paperback | 64 pages
128 x 198 x 7 | 68g

---

'Impossible to resist' Kirkus

'Steig's books are like perfect smooth stones, complete in themselves, with no seams to be found' Jon Klassen, author of This Is Not My Hat

Gawain is a kind, honest goose who carries out his duties as Chief Guard of the Royal Treasury with the utmost care. But when the treasure starts to disappear, Gawain is found guilty of a crime he did not commit.

As the poor goose suffers in exile, the real thief realises that he has done an awful wrong. But does he have what it takes to confess? And can he clear Gawain's name in time to restore harmony to the kingdom?

Part of the new Pushkin Children's Classics series of thrilling, magical and inspiring stories from around the world, which young readers will return to time and again.

William Steig (1907-2003) was an American cartoonist, sculptor and illustrator, and writer of children's books. He was also the creator of Shrek!, which inspired the film series of the same name. He was the U.S. nominee for both the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Awards, as a children's book illustrator in 1982 and a writer in 1988.