Once Upon a Time [Hardcover]

Niki Daly (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up

A struggling young reader triumphs

There is something worrying Sarie at school. Every time her teacher says, “Children, take out your reading books,” Sarie feels sick. The letters in the book all run together, tripping her up so that she stumbles and falters, and the girls in the back always make fun of her. Only Sarie’s old friend, Auntie Anna, seems to understand that letters and words can be difficult things to grasp. And it is Auntie Anna, with the help of a book from her own daughter’s childhood, who makes a unique Sunday ritual out of giving Sarie the help she needs, until the letters that were once her adversaries begin to seem friendly – just in time for Sarie to prove herself to the laughing girls at school.

Niki Daly’s illustrations set Sarie’s tale under the vast and beautiful skies of the South African Karoo, and his encouraging story conveys the power and magic of a good book and the joy of having a good friend to share it with.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-The long walk to school under the hot South African sky doesn't bother Sarie at all. It's the destination that troubles her, or more precisely, the classmates who giggle when she tries to read aloud and who later taunt her. On Sundays, she escapes to Auntie Anna's rusty, old car, and while Sarie pretends to drive, the two swap stories. When the child unearths a book from a crevice in the back seat, she reads it with the help of her aunt. Sarie thoroughly enjoys the Cinderella story, which Daly peoples with characters from the girl's life, a technique that portrays her connection to this reading experience with economy and style. Although Sarie continues to struggle in school, she has gained the self-assurance to carry on. The cycle of skill and confidence is set in motion, ultimately impacting her class performance. The author is as adept at conveying the anxiety that accompanies failure as he is at depicting the pride felt with success. Sarie tries envisioning the words in the school text as they appear when she's with her aunt: "-lots of friendly letters holding hands to form words that danced and sang together." The realistic watercolors contrast the shimmering vitality of the sun, Sarie, and Auntie Anna with the dusty earth and lackluster classmates. Endpapers of swirling letters suggest the story's theme. Those who pause long enough may see a message; readers at any stage will appreciate the struggle.
Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-K. Sarie dreads being called on to read aloud in class because the kids laugh at her stammering and stumbling. They even tease her after school. On Sunday while her family rests, Sarie runs across the veld to Auntie Anna's. Sitting in Auntie's rusty, wheel-less old car, she and Auntie pretend to go for a Sunday drive while Auntie tells stories of "once upon a time" when she was young and her car was shiny and new. Then Sarie reveals how much she hates reading aloud and being laughed at. When Sarie finds an old book stuck in the back seat, the Cinderella story becomes her own; with the help of a prince of a friend and her auntie's wisdom, she overcomes her problem. The beautiful watercolor illustrations, in Daly's typical style, ably capture the expanse of the South African setting and the depth of Sarie's emotion. The gentle, encouraging tone prevents the message from being heavy-handed or maudlin, making the story a charming testimonial to reading, friendship, and family bonds. Julie Cummins
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); 1st edition (March 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374356335
• ISBN-13: 978-0374356330
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,347,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have in every elementary classroom!, April 6, 2006

By 

T. Torbert (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Once Upon a Time (Hardcover)

I teach a children's literature class at a state university and a student shared this in class today. I was so moved by her retelling of the story and knew I must have it in my collection. Students who are struggling with reading will identify with the feelings of the main character and the relationship between the child and grandmother is magical. It reminds me of another must-have book, Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco.

3.0 out of 5 stars enh okay, August 29, 2010

By 

E. Williams "mom2cutiepies" (usa) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Once Upon a Time (Paperback)

I guess if you have a child with a reading problem the character might be encouraging. Kind of boring though!

5.0 out of 5 stars lovely book, a worthwhile buy, May 20, 2006

By 

Kanelbullar afficianado - See all my reviews

This review is from: Once Upon a Time (Hardcover)

Set in South Africa in the desert, this lovely and familiar story of a child who has difficulty reading, is an enjoyable read with a message. The language and artwork are gentle and flowing, the message to keep trying and to be kind to others who are struggling, is predictable but important. It was an excellent bedtime read for my children who are 6 and 9 years old, we will buy it (it is on loan from the library).