The Jolly Postman [Hardcover]

Allan Ahlberg (Author), Janet Ahlberg (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Age Range: 5 and up

Now republished in a larger format, this classic depicts amusing correspondence from one fairy tale or Mother Goose character to another, giving readers a chance to follow-up on some favorite tales. Full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This British import is great fun, sure to entertain children and parents alike. The Jolly Postman goes from home to home in a fairy-tale kingdom, delivering letters to such familiar addresses as "Mr. and Mrs. Bear, Three Bears Cottage, The Woods." Every other page is an actual envelope, with a letter tucked inside. The letter to the three bears, for instance, is from Goldilocks, who apologizes for the trouble she's caused and invites Baby Bear to her birthday party. Some authors would stop with this cute concept, but the Ahlbergs have given this book their all. The story of the postman's travels is told in charming verse; the pictures are delightful, full of clever detail; and the results are frequently hilarious. (The wicked witch of "Hansel and Gretel" fame, for instance, receives a circular from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd. which advertises such appealing products as Little Boy Pie Mix.) A real treat at a good price.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Husband and wife team Allan and Janet Ahlberg created many popular picture books for young readers, including the Jolly Postman series and Each Peach Pear Plum, which was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal for distinguished illustration in the UK.

Product Details

• Age Range: 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: LB Kids (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316126446
• ISBN-13: 978-0316126441
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (109 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,263 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Anthologies

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Ever wonder what type of junk mail a wicked witch gets? June 11, 2000

By K. Bennett VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

In this book, the Jolly Postman is delivering the mail to the residents of a quaint fairy tale village, and you get to read all the letters -- even the junk mail! Every other page is an envelope with some type of correspondence tucked inside. The Three Bears get a handwritten apology from Goldilocks, complete with misspellings and invitation to a birthday party. The occupant of Gingerbread Bungalow in The Woods, who happens to be the Wicked Witch, gets an advertising circular from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd. A certain snout-nosed grandma gets a demand letter addressed to Mr. B.B. Wolf from Miss Riding-Hood's attorney, who also states, "On a separate matter, we must inform you that The Three Little Pigs Ltd. are now firmly resolved to sue for damages. . .all this huffing and puffing will get you nowhere." Some of the funniest moments in this book come from the illustrations of the Jolly Postman stopping for tea with each mail delivery. At the Wicked Witch's cottage, he peruses the newspaper, the Mirror Mirror, while the witch reads her mail and her black cat does the dishes. At Cinderella's castle, he enjoys a glass of champagne poured by Prince Charming, who is still in his honeymoon Hawaiian print shirt and white slacks. This book is perfect for sharing one on one with a child, but if there aren't any children available, it's also amusing for solitary adults.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A totally engaging book for young children. March 19, 1998

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

The Jolly Postman or Other People's Letters is an incredible book for young children. I am a student teacher who is currently studying this book for a group project and the children we have used this book with have been absolutely delighted. I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and quite amusing. The possibilities for use in a classroom environment are endless and we found that children are so enthusiastic about writing letters after reading this book. Children I feel love it so much because they can delve in to the lives of others by reading their mail which is normally considered such a private thing. It also includes rhyme and a variety of different writing formats that will help children to develop as readers.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Book Review for THE JOLLY POSTMAN: OR OTHER PEOPLE'S LETTERS July 29, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

This is a wonderful story of a postman's route to deliver the mail to well known fairy tale characters. This book is unique because its pages form actual envelopes with letters in them. They are addressed on the front of the page. Some of the characters receiving the letters include: The Three Bears, THe Wicked Witch, The Giant, Cinderella, The Big Bad Wolf, and Golilocks. This story could be used in the the classroom during a lesson on letter writing and addressing envelopes. The story would interest the students and motivate them to write their own letters. Also, the book could be read during a unit on community helpers when discussing the jobs of a postman.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, entertaining time and time again November 4, 1999

By Clay Konnor

Format:Hardcover

This book is one of my 4 year old's favorites. It is picked out time and again and always gets laughs and interaction. The book is filled with little items like a letter to Cinderella and one from Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk) to the Giant, all of which tuck into their own little envelopes.

This book is a must add to any tot's library. It's also of a size that travels well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Love it and I didn't read it until I was almost 40 years old November 29, 2004

By Penmouse TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I first bought and read this book to my children and fell in love with this book which weaves fairy tale characters into a sweet story. A must read for kids and their parents.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun surprise March 8, 2000

By Wayne a Father

Format:Hardcover

I was in for a big surprise when my girls brought me this book to read to them at a friends house. It's a must have. Need to have some on hand for gifts, a fun book for any age. Very fun

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for letter writing skills! April 16, 1999

By [e-mail]

Format:Hardcover

I am a second grade teacher. I teach using themes. This series of books fits in perfectly with my theme on fairy tales.The kids in my classes fall in love with these books and are excited about learning how to write letters and address envelopes. At the end of the unit they get a chance to make their own Jolly Postman books. Now that they can write a letter we would like to write the authors thanking them for the creative books they have written. If anyone knows how to contact the authors please let me know.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Jolly Postman November 8, 2006

By Dana Stabenow VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

So what kind of mail do you think the postman delivers to the Wicked Witch in her cottage in the woods? How about a flyer from Hobgoblin Supplies Ltd., advertising bargain basement prices on a Cup and Sorcerer tea service (it washes itself!) and Big Brooms (for the larger witch, as seen on TV!). Such are the delights that wait inside this tale of a postman on his bicycle delivering the mail to the occupants of an enchanted forest. The Three Bears get a letter from Goldilocks, apologizing for breaking into their house. The Giant gets a postcard from Jack, who is using golden eggs to pay for his and his mum's vacation. The Big Bad Wolf gets a stern letter from Red Riding Hood's attorneys, demanding that he vacate Grandma's cottage (and stop wearing her clothes). What's more, this is mail you get to take out of its envelopes (and check out the postmarks and the stamps) like you'd just taken it out of your own mailbox. For kids of any age.