Raspberries! [Hardcover]

Jay O'Callahan (Author), Will Moses (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up

A tale that'll have you hollerin' "Rasssssspberrrrrrrieeeeees!"

Simon was once a baker so well known for his tasty treats, you might say he was famous. But the poor guy fell on hard times when the bakery closed. Then Simon meets a young girl whose family he once helped. As a thank-you, the enchanting girl gives Simon dried raspberries that turn out to be magical when planted. They're so sweet a person can't help but jump into the air and sing out, "Rasssssspberrrrrrrieeeeees!" This inspires Simon to sell the berries to a local baker and pretty soon the whole town has something to cheer about.

This tale, a favorite of Jay O'Callahan's storytelling fans, evokes marvelous responses from readers, as they enjoy the folk art of Will Moses and shout out along with the townsfolk. Raspberries! comes complete with an audio CD of the famous Jay O'Callahan reading the text.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—Simon is a talented baker. He is also kind, often selling two loaves for a penny to Sally, a poor child in town. But when he's robbed by his fellow bakers, he decides to give up baking and move away. Things get even worse when lightning strikes his barn, killing his chickens. Soon, though, in the best folkloric tradition, his kindness to Sally is repaid when she gives him a pouch full of dried raspberries. The berries that grow when he throws them on his fields are so delicious that folks who eat them jump in the air and sing, "Rasssssspberrrrrrrieeeeees!" Eventually, these magical fruits help lead Simon into a wonderful new life. This old-fashioned, somewhat rambling tale is greatly enhanced by Moses's oil paintings. They are done in his signature folk-art style, depicting a colorful landscape with horse-drawn wagons, kids rolling hoops down the street, and general stores with big pickle barrels. A recording of the author telling the story is included. While not an essential purchase, this story will hold special appeal for O'Callahan's many fans.—Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL END

Review

"[T]his story will hold special appeal for O'Callahan's many fans." --School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; Rei/Com edition (September 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399251812
• ISBN-13: 978-0399251818
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 11.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,531,251 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine, warm story, November 21, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raspberries! (Hardcover)

Jay O'Callahan and Will Moses's RASPBERRIES! tells of Simon, who was born to bake and whose treats are famous. When his bakery closes Simon loses his touch - until a young girl gives him some raspberry seeds to begin a new venture. A fine, warm story evolves.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great family entertainment!, December 11, 2000

By 

Carol Troisi (Millville, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raspberries (Audio Cassette)

We first heard this story when my children were very young. They loved it so much that we listened to it over and over. Every once in awhile I'd overhear them retelling parts of it, or shouting out "Raspberries!" as Jay does on the tape. It is a truly wonderful, magical, captivating story, which I am now ordering for my nieces and nephews.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This tape is so well done that our family is riveted. Great!, June 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Raspberries (Audio Cassette)

This tape is so well done that our family is riveted every time we listen. Great for all ages who have any attention span at all. His voices are the best!