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Run, run, as fast as you can and catch this version of the gingerbread man!
Eric A. Kimmel is an education professor who has become one of the most respected retellers of traditional folk tales in the United States. In addition to
The Gingerbread Man, his successes include the series of Anansi folk tales and
Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a Caldecott Honor Book. In this wonderful new take on the never-stale gingerbread man story, the cookie in question (with three peppermint buttons) gets eaten by the wily fox, which is sometimes upsetting to younger preschoolers. Happily, the last page shows a new cookie sheet lined with gingerbread men (and women), and the clever rhyme suggests that the gingerbread man bounces back from his unfortunate plight. "For gingerbread men return, it's said, / When someone bakes some gingerbread." Seasoned illustrator
Megan Lloyd's flat and funny gingerbread man bounces along as cheerfully as the text. Cookie lovers everywhere will relish this old-fashioned tale with a happy ending--especially if you bake a batch of gingerbread people afterwards!
(Ages 3 to 6)
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-- Kimmel brings humor and warmth to the retelling of this spicy classic. His text has a fast-paced rhythm that is perfect for read-alouds or storytelling. The deft prose has a strong narrative, good dialogue, and a fine chorus from the Gingerbread Man himself. Lloyd's illustrations work in tandem with the text to create verve and motion while maintaining a "fresh-from-the-oven" appeal. Her engaging art works beautifully with Kimmel's retelling to keep both eye and action moving across each page, thus enhancing the story's pace. This is a welcome addition to the ranks of gingerbread men who line library shelves--even Galdone's classic telling (Clarion, 1983) will seem a bit dull compared to this version. Lloyd's illustrations remain striking both closeup and at a distance. A book that's sure to hold every reader and story-hour audience through to a most satisfyingly delicious ending. --Elizabeth Hanson, Chicago Public Library
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
See all Editorial Reviews