Princess Gorilla and a New Kind of Water (Dial Books for Young Readers) [Hardcover]

Verna Aardema (Author), Victoria Chess (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dial Books for Young Readers

King Gorilla decrees that no one may marry his daughter until a suitor strong enough to consume a barrel of strange, intoxicating water is found.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Artist and author, displaying the considerable wit and style for which each is known, turn an age-old idea on its side: the events surrounding a contest for the hand of a princess. King Gorilla is intent on selecting a strong, brave husband for his daughter. Whoever can quaff a barrel of vinegar, he declares, shall be the one. Elephant saunters up confidently and takes a generous trunkful of the bitter stuff. In the end, the princess marries the handsome gorilla she's had her eye on all alongbut not until she's had the fun of seeing a host of animals apply themselves to the task, with increasingly comical results. Aardema has created a high-spirited, infectiously funny story, and the language of the tale is jaunty, playful and sureperfect for reading aloud. Chess's illustrations are an inspired choice. Her animals scheme, boast, swagger, spit and, in the case of the princess, chortle with gleeeach expression hilariously rendered in her lush pen-and-watercolor scenes. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1988 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 In this light-hearted folktale from the West African Mpongwe, King Gorilla decrees that whoever can drink a barrel of mysterious, malodorous water (actually vinegar) will win his daughter's hand in marriage. Four confident suitorsElephant, Hippopotamus, Hog, and Leopardare defeated in their attempts to down the disgusting drink. The tiny talapoin succeeds by taking one sip at a time, then dashing into the brush where he is replaced by another mischievous monkey. This collective treachery is revealed when 100 chattering monkeys demand the royal bride. Romance abruptly turns into porquoi story. In anger, Leopard attacks the tricksters who take refuge in the treetops; hence, their arboreal, tail-swinging status. As for the princess, she chooses her own beastly bridegroom. Despite the shaky structure, children will respond favorably to Aardema's trademark descriptions of sounds (Hog moves ``naka, naka, naka'') gentle humor, and simple rhymes. Surrounded by African motif borders, the brightly colored paintings (pen, ink, and dry-brush watercolors) are appropriately playful and primitive. Chess has a knack for creating amiably human beasts. While this story lacks the spirit of Aardema's best work, it is adequately retold and suitable for reading aloud and storytelling. Julie Corsaro, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dial; First Edition edition (March 30, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803704135
• ISBN-13: 978-0803704138
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,563,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful, funny, touching tale for all ages!, April 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Princess Gorilla and a New Kind of Water (Pied Piper Paperbacks) (Paperback)

This book is laugh-out-loud-hilarious. The first time I read this story, I was giggling so hard that I could barely speak. A very cute story for young and old alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars Princess Gorilla and a New Kind of Water: A Mpongwe Tale, December 30, 2002

By 

Candace A. Darman "Candace" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Princess Gorilla and a New Kind of Water (Dial Books for Young Readers) (Hardcover)

This rhythmic story to keeps cleverness of monkeys while "love conquers all". King Gorilla discovers a keg of vinegar water. He challenges anyone who can drink this new kind of water..can marry King Gorilla's beautiful daughter. (Catchy) All fail but the clever monkey(s). In the end she only marries for love.
A must-do story for you teller of tales!