In a little medieval town by the river, the mayor searches desperately for the happiest person in town because unless that individual crosses the new bridge first a curse will fall on everyone.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
When the Old Bridge crumbles into the river, the townspeople immediately commission the Jubilatti family to construct a replacement. As the relieved mayor begins to plan his ceremonial strut across the new bridge, an elderly woman reminds him of an ancient tradition: the first to cross a new bridge must be the happiest person in town, or a curse will fall on everyone. The mayor searches the cobbled, gabled village for its most joyful citizen, but one by one the likeliest candidates disqualify themselves from the honor. Caldecott Medalist McCully's (Mirette on the High Wire) text ripples with gentle laughter as she catalogues the roots of people's unhappiness: blisters, wrinkles, a lost sovereign, misplaced shoes. Her story moves toward an obvious but satisfying conclusion as the Jubilattis live up to their name. Soft watercolors depict a quaint town in a picturesque Old World full of life and merriment, if not true happiness; the worry-wart mayor, meanwhile, is the picture of genial inefficiency. This agreeable picture book lightly conveys the pleasures of a job well done. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-In this "original folktale," an ancient bridge collapses into the river, and the town hires the Jubilattis to build a new one. As the family construction crew sets to work with gusto, an old woman reminds the mayor of the tradition that the first person to cross the bridge must be the happiest in the town. To do otherwise would bring a curse on all of them. The bumbling mayor and his scribe begin their search, but find everyone harried by the small details of life. One afternoon, a cheer of "WE DID IT" rises as the Jubilattis come rushing into town, celebrating the completion of their best work ever. Their spirits are temporarily dampened when they hear of the mayor's failed efforts, until their wise child makes an observation that changes everything. Caldecott-award winner McCully has created a picture book that glows. All of the paintings are diffused with light, with shimmering lines and brilliant colors that bring the medieval seaside community to life. Just as the town's people dance joyfully across their new bridge, readers are sure to take pleasure in this job well done.
Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Lisa S. Murphy, formerly at Dauphin County Library System, Harrisburg, PA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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