Sharp-tongued and lonely Griselda gets a magic kerchief from a mysterious stranger, and when she wears it she can speak only kind words to the people she meets.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Youngsters will likely be hard pressed not to laugh at the way a kerchief works its magic on tart-tongued Griselda. The crotchety old woman has alienated herself from her fellow villagers, but occasionally feels "the weight of her loneliness." One evening a traveler appears begging shelter, and Griselda, grumbling all the while, accommodates her. The visitor rewards her grudging kindness with a beautiful kerchief: "While you wear [it], you will find great riches." "Paah," answers Griselda, but sure enough, the first time she wears it her tongue suddenly seems to have a mind of its own; where once it found insults, now it finds compliments. As surprised as anyone at her unexpected burst of good will, an indignant Griselda returns home and soon receives great riches indeed, as her kind acts are rewarded by a host of new friends. Larson's (the Quinn Kelley books) droll and buoyant original folktale bristles with lively description (e.g., Griselda's lips clamped "as tight as a beggar's fist around a gold coin"), while Litzinger's (Sing, Sophie!) piquant pastels drape it with cheer. Her simple lines and geometric patterns contribute to illustrations seasoned with merry folk-art touchesAfrom hearts and flowers to the rounded shapes of Griselda and her neighbors, all of them as plump as pincushions. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2-Griselda has a razor-sharp tongue that she doesn't hesitate to use. She even insults the Lord Mayor by stating, "Paah-A donkey on two legs is still a donkey." As a result, the woman has few friends and is very lonely. One evening, a stranger appears at her door begging for a place to stay the night. Griselda gives her shelter and is rewarded with a magic handkerchief that softens her tongue and soon she is complimenting all of the villagers. As a result, she makes many new friends. The tale is charming and the illustrations match the mood perfectly. The art dominates the pages and is painted in soft, muted pastels. Each page is awash with a different background color, which serves to attract readers' attention. The village people are drawn in a cartoon style and their sizes are exaggerated. Pair this story with Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona (S & S, 1975), Paul Galdone's The Magic Porridge Pot (Clarion, 1979), or Nina Jaffe's The Way Meat Loves Salt (Holt, 1998) for an excellent storytime.
Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
I was born at Fort Lawton Army Hospital in Seattle and haven't moved very far from there since. When I was a senior in high school, I got into an argument with a guy in the school library. Four years later, we were married. We have a son, Tyler, who lives in Brooklyn and works in film and TV; a daughter, Quinn, who is such a terrific interior designer she can even make our house look good and a son-in-law, Matt, who thinks he has a full-time job as an accountant but his real job is helping me with computer problems.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Charming, Thoughtful and Enlightening Tale!,
By Judy Patneaude (Woodinville, WA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Magic Kerchief (Hardcover)
A wonderful original folktale with a message for ALL OF US. Griselda - the town "grump" is magically transformed by the gift of a scarf from a stranger. No longer the bitter old woman with a sharp word for all, Griselda (to her dismay) is able to only utter kindnesses to the people of the town. She learns that to HAVE a friend - you first have to BE a friend. Wonderful humor paired with delightful illustrations make this a book not only worth owning yourself but giving to your favorite child as a GIFT. This message is timeless - and this book is a KEEPER!!
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's ok.,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Magic Kerchief (Hardcover)
I liked this one the 1st time I read it, but realized quickly that it wasn't really that great. Nice concept & decent illustrations, but I'm giving my copy away.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I dare you to be grumpy after reading this book!,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Magic Kerchief (Hardcover)
This is a tale set in the past that is all too timely today... A stranger visits and grumpy Griselda grudgingly offers her a place to stay. A chance encounter, an unexpected gift and a few words of kindness go a long way toward helping the lonely old woman realize the mighty benefits of caring for others. The simple story and bright illustrations have something for all ages -- my two year old loves how Griselda is always saying, "Pah!" and I love that I'm making a moral lecture fun for him while gently reminding myself to stop being negative... The Magic Kerchief is an inventive, enchanting tale that will teach people for generations both the importance of being kind as well as the true magic of a good book!
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