by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith
1993 Caldecott Honor Book
I read this one out loud to Jabu (age 10) at bedtime last night. It is a book of spoofs on traditional fairy tales with titles like: The Princess and the Bowling Ball; Little Red Running Shorts, and The Boy Who Cried "Cow Patty". It was a good match for his mood, which was a GOOFY sugar induced state of wackiness. Much giggling. It is a very silly book.
Our favorite was The Boy Who Cried "Cow Patty" which we almost didn't find, because it was on the INSIDE of the book jacket, which was taped securely onto the book library style! In fact the entire layout and design of the book is whacky from start to finish. Things are upside down, out of order, and in strange places, with funny fonts.
The illustrations by Lane Smith are hilarious. AND, for this book it is absolutely necessary to remember that the Caldecott Medal and Honor books go to the ILLUSTRATOR. Randolph J. Caldecott, who the award is named after, was a ninteenth century English ILLUSTRATOR.
I found the "fairly stupid tales" to be, in fact, fairly stupid, and could not recommend the book based on depth of meaning or great literature! I found the stories to be disappointing. They made you laugh, but also left me feeling a little empty. It's a cheap brand of humor! This very brand of humor however, is pretty appealing to a 10 year old boy in a goofy mood, so, for the right occasion it's not a bad choice! But I wouldn't make anyone read it!
Love, Louise
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