Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Kate Duke (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Picture Puffins

Penelope and her Aunt Isabel make up an exciting bedtime story about the adventures of Prince Augustus and Lady Penelope.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Aunt Isabel is delighted to have her niece Penelope spend the night, and a made-to-order story is part of the package. Asking for guidance from Penelope along the way, Isabel weaves a story of a handsome prince and the enigmatic Lady Nell who can "fiddle like a cricket, sing like a dove and wiggle her ears." Isabel may ask for help, but she is clearly in charge here, insisting on "a little Danger" and "Villains" to flesh out her tale. No passive heroine awaiting the prince's marriage proposal, Nell tackles adversity in fine fashion. In a stylistic departure for the gifted artist ( The Guinea Pig ABC ; Roseberry's Great Escape ), fanciful mice--somewhat reminiscent of Helen Craig's illustrations for the Angelina books--take the spotlight here, and the delicate watercolors brim with fairy-tale characters and atmosphere. Especially appealing are the artwork's winsome borders, adorned with tiny, appropriate decorative touches--sandwiches in the frame's corners when Nell is following a trail of crumbs, for example. Though the running conversation between narrator and Penelope at times detracts from the action, the diverting story-within-a-story is an inviting opportunity for youngsters to double their fun. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- When Aunt Isabel makes up a story for her niece Penelope, the tale she tells of Lady Nell and Prince Augustus is occasionally cliched but redeemed by a clever ending. As the young mouse helps her aunt weave the plot, Isabel provides a gentle lesson in story-making. The story within a story works mainly because of Duke's exuberant portrayal of her endearing mice. Children will identify with bright-eyed, feisty Penelope and will wish that they had a quirky aunt like Isabel (she's dressed in a 1920s flapper dress and sports a feathered headband). Because of the switches in narrative, the book would be best shared one-on-one or used as a language-arts supplement. An entertaining way to introduce children to the elements of storytelling while providing an impetus for their own creative endeavors. --Lori A. Janick, Parkwood Elementary School, Pasadena, TX
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin; 1 edition (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140505342
• ISBN-13: 978-0140505344
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for teaching story elements!, July 10, 1998

By 

Darlin Jackie ":)" (Flower Mound, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One (Hardcover)

This is probably the best book I've ever used to teach story elements. A little girl and her aunt create their own story together. All along the way the aunt introduces the story elements. I use this method to teach my second graders the elements of story telling first and then story writing. Excellent!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful way to learn about story elements, December 21, 2000

By 

Gwyneth Calvetti (West Salem, WI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

This charming picture book helps young readers or listeners gain an understanding of the things that make a story good, or what the English teachers like to call "story elements;" you remember, those things like "plot" and "character" and "conflict."

Aunt Isabel spins a tale to entertain her young guest, and as she does, she explains all the things she'll need to make a good story. At some points, Penelope protests, until Isabel sets her straight as to why these things need to be included.

I have used this with my middletellers troupe to help them gain a sense of how to structure the stories they tell. Even though this is a young child's book, my 12-15 year old tellers seem to enjoy this more than any dull lecture I could give them. And therein lies proof of the value of story itself to teach. A truly delightful book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Adorable book for teaching how to write/tell stories, April 10, 2003

By 

Diane (Glen Allen, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

My boys are 3 yrs old and too young to create stories, but they still love the storyline and illustrations of the book itself. The book is wonderful for preschoolers since it uses animals for the characters and the wording is perfect for reading aloud. It's full of adventure and the "scary" parts are downplayed by the whimsical illustrations.

For older children who are developing their writing talents, this would be an great way to "explain" the characteristics of "a good story" as requested by Penelope. Throughout the book, Aunt Isabel adds various "ingredients" essential for a good story. She starts with a WHEN and WHERE, adding a hint of scariness and cheerfullness in the adventure. Her details of the characters allow us to be part of the story. The conversation of the main characters leads to ROMANCE, but "too much niceness is dull" so they add a PROBLEM. A little DANGER is also "good for a story". Of course the heroine has creative ways of getting them out of danger and things work out in the end. "It's the HAPPY ENDING every good story should have", according to Aunt Isabel. And best of all, Aunt Isabel leaves the ending open for more adventures, because now, it's time for bed.