Thomass strictly religious father rules the house with his fists and insists the family live according to the Bible. But Thomas has an escape route - he sees incredible things that no one else notices - like tropical fish swimming in the canal and frogs leaping through the letterbox. Now hes recording his observations in a notebook The Book of Everything where he also writes down his biggest ambition: to be happy. But will that ever be possible with Father around? Then Thomas meets Mrs Van Amersfoot a woman full of rebellious spirit who recognises something similar in her new young friend. And in the fight against his father Thomass uniqueness - and the extraordinary power of his imagination - are the biggest weapons he has...