Old Man Trouble can really cause a stir in a household and turn things upside down for Aunt Nancy, but being more clever than he is, she can turn his bad doings into good situations, bringing defeat to Old Man Trouble's mischievous ways.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A quick-witted country woman uses reverse psychology to ward off a Mephistophelean visitor in this sprightly original folktale. Aunt Nancy is having one of those days: it's barely sunup and her spring has gone dry and she's lost her "good luck three-legged wooden buffalo nickel." Such misfortune must mean Old Man Trouble is nearby, and before long the Old Man?irritation personified?knocks on Aunt Nancy's log cabin door. The arrogant Mr. Trouble, hell-bent on making matters miserable, gets his comeuppance when sweet Aunt Nancy methodically tricks him into refurbishing her water supply. Root's (Sam, Who Was Swallowed by a Shark) yarn-spinning talents shine here, in a text laced with a mountain-folk vernacular. Such down-home phrases as "Seat yourself and stay a spell," or "faster than a firecracker on the Fourth of July" add color and warmth. Parkins's (Sophie's Tom) sinister depiction of Old Man Trouble, with his row of crocodile-like teeth exposed through a black beard and needle-sharp nose, gives the story a bit of dastardly suspense. Expressive black-and-white silhouettes of the characters decorate each page of text, an inviting design element that complements Parkins's full-color, darkly hued oil paintings on the facing pages. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 1-4?When sweet-faced old Aunt Nancy bends over the spring hole to see why there is no water and her good luck coin falls into it, it's a clear sign that Old Man Trouble is in the neighborhood. Then he appears in a long black hat and shiny black shoes, swinging a silver-headed walking stick. The woman cheerfully returns one salvo after another as Old Man Trouble tries to do his dirty work. Finally, she tricks the trickster into repairing her spring and sends him on his way. In the tradition of Appalachian Jack tales, this original story features a sharp-witted heroine. Set timelessly at Aunt Nancy's lonely log cabin, the full-color oil illustrations reveal a folksy Nancy and a surreal (and very toothy) Old Man. Effective use of light and angle varies the perspectives and adds energy to the narrative, and dark tones give way to lighter ones as Nancy triumphs. Silhouettelike black spot art creates visual bridges within the tale. Rhythmic language and interesting use of sound spice up the text. All told, here's a pleasing story for reading aloud, telling, or tickling the fancies of independent readers.?Carolyn Noah, Central Mass. Regional Library System, Worcester, MA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Phyllis Root has written many award-winning books for children, including TEN SLEEPY SHEEP, OLIVER FINDS HIS WAY, ONE DUCK STUCK, WHAT BABY WANTS, RATTLETRAP CAR, and BIG MOMMA MAKES THE WORLD, winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble,
A Kid's Review
This review is from: Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble (Paperback)
When life gives you lemons make lemonade. If you ever turned good in to bad you would probably relate to Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble. This is a funny tale that tells about Old Man Trouble's visit with Aunt Nancy and how she turns all his bad luck in to good. I enjoyed this book also because of the reactions Aunt Nancy makes when Old Man Trouble's bad luck happens, like When Old Man Trouble makes Aunt Nancy brake her chair she says ''now ant that a mercy, just when I was wondering ware I was going to get some kindling wood.'' If you would like you should find out the surprise ending to this great book.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Charming character who will make you smile!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble (Hardcover)
Aunt Nancy is a bright and clever character who outsmarts Old Man Trouble every step of the way. She is a shining example of getting lemons in life and making lemonade. One of the funniest scenes is when Old Man Trouble causes Aunt Nancy to drop a glass which shatters in all directions only to have her respond by thanking him since the glass already had a crack! When Old Man Trouble finally learns that he cannot outwit this sunny dispositioned lady, he heads off for greener pastures to cause trouble elsewhere. The wonderful illustrations and whimsical dialog clearly enhance the readers' enjoyment of each character. I look forward to revisiting the charming Aunt Nancy in her next adventure with "Cousin Lazybones."
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cool Aunt Nancy,
By RSF (TN USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Aunt Nancy and Old Man Trouble (Hardcover)
The Aunt Nancy in this book is my kind of old lady -- spunky! When Old Man Trouble comes a-knockin' on her door, she doesn't let him get the best of her; no sir! She uses a little reverse psychology on him and the next thing you know, Old Man Trouble is leaving town. It is no fun causing people trouble if they appear to be enjoying it. This is one of my two most favorite children's books...My 6 and 9 year-old children love Aunt Nancy.... It is a great book for any child or child at heart!
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