Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Stories (Paperback)

by Jane Yolen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7. This solid collection of short stories is a good introduction to various types of fantasy. Three of the 12 pieces are new and the rest have been published in other compilations. There is something here for everyone?tales that are scary, gross, or fanciful. Some of the selections are reworkings of parts of children's classics, such as Alice in Wonderland (Alice learns how to be tough with the Jabberwock) and Peter Pan (Captain Hook is singing a new tune now that he is married to a modern-day feminist). "The Bridge's Complaint" puts a different spin on "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" by relating events from the bridge's point of view. The tales are set in different times?some in the past, some in the present, and some in the near or distant future. "Wilding" is a chilling futuristic look at New York City's Central Park, based on the gang violence that occurred there in the late 1980s. There's a story of a frightening sea monster, one about a fairy, and another about aliens; all will chill and delight the imagination.?Virginia Golodetz, St. Michael's College, Winooski, VT
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review
"There is something here for everyone-tales that are scary, gross, or fanciful. . . . All will chill and delight the imagination."-School Library Journal
-- Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Magic Carpet Books (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152164448
• ISBN-13: 978-0152164447
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #239,123 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, May 19, 2001

By	jleopia (Mtn. View, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Defently one of the best books I've ever read. It contains 12 different stories that are happy, sad, and some were downright scary.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone, August 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Stories (Hardcover)

Rather like a "Ruby Slippers, Golden Tears" for a younger audience, this book is for anyone who enjoys a good fractured faerytale or stories from the fantasy realm. It has everything, from Yolen's continuation of Alice in Wonderland to the sad story of an Appalachian girl whose mother has returned to life as a vampire. While stories like "The Bridge's Complaint", a twist on the old Billy Goats Gruff story (told by an intellectual bridge) and "Lost Girls," a feminist version of Peter Pan, gave me a good laugh, stories like "Mama Gone," the vampire story, and "Bolundeers" were both sad and heartwarming. "Sea Dragon of Fife" was a tale of legendary proportions and "Wilding" added a bit of sci-fi to the bunch. You won't put the book down until you've read ALL of the stories--many times. And it's by Jane Yolen, it can't be BAD! Get it and be sure to read "Harlyn's Fairy" and "Winter's King," my personal favourites.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great memorable fairy tales with a twist!, July 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Stories (Hardcover)

I read this book and found it impossible not to love. The stories may be odd, but none are boring. And the ones that have a twist to them are very impressive. This book keeps you reading. And I recommend this to any age.