About The Book Fairy
A career Children’s Librarian, the Book Fairy (a.k.a. kittenpie) has worked in library systems in both New York and Toronto. She’s thrilled to have another place to share the books she loves without creeping people out the way she does at the bookstore.
A Fresh-Told Fable
shelf candy canada
(Jan.12.10)
The great thing about classic old stories is the different versions. Whether you like a silly fractured fairy tale, a classic Grimm or Perrault story, or a modern update, there is something for everyone. The fact that they are a favourite subject for some of the greatest of children's illustrators means that even standard versions can be made to appeal to a wide range of tastes. If you like a fun, dynamic telling of a famous and familiar story with striking illustrations - and who could say no to that? - I have a great new take on Aesop's old "sour grapes" fable for you.
Lousy Rotten Stinkin' Grapes, by Margie Palatini, ill. Barry Moser
Margie Palatini is a goddess of the goofy, and not only excels at wordplay, but has a wonderful knack for capturing dialogue that defines the character. In this case, most of the speech belongs to Fox, whose fast-talking, snappy patter marks him out as a salesman who won't take no for an answer, not to mention a guy who thinks he's got all the answers himself, anyhow.
Her deft storytelling and the mounting ridiculousness of Fox's plan make this a great update on what started as a short fable from Aesop. It doesn't feel at all like she was stretching it out - instead, she has added details that make for terrific reading, even for an older kid, where those extra bits will be extra appreciated.
This would all be great, but the combination of a fun story with fantastic illustrations is what makes a picture book truly excellent, and this one hits the mark, pairing Palatini's work with the wonderful watercolours of Barry Moser. (Did I mention last week that he was one of my favourites?) Moser manages here to both elevate the book to beautiful with his gorgeous, sun-filled grapes and beautifully rendered animals, and to add to the humour of the situation by giving his animals comical expressions without going over the top. Fox gains a distinctly human air that makes him even more fun, and his plans, "Alpha" through "Echo" are sketched out to the delight of any reader old enough to get it.
Between these two masters of their respective crafts, this book hits every mark - I just loved it, and I can see it making a perfect introduction to older stories and fables, since it would be sure to grab the attention of any kid lucky enough to have it read to them.
If you like to get a feel for a book, as I do, you can take a peek inside the book online, where the first few pages of the story are available for browsing.