The Barefoot Book of Brother and Sister Tales (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Emma Shaw-Smith (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4-These seven tales from around the world feature brothers and sisters as the chief protagonists. Some are familiar, such as the German "Hansel and Gretel" and the Armenian "The Red Cow," but others are less well-known, such as the Sudanese "Achol and Maper." The stories explore the sibling bond from a variety of perspectives, running the gamut from all-consuming jealousy to undying devotion. Hoffman is a competent reteller and maintains a lively pace. Shaw-Smith's illustrations, done in watercolor and mixed media, have a vibrant palette and are rich in detail. Part of the action is depicted on bottom borders, and there are rounded insets on almost every page, so there is much for the eye to explore. The whole effect gives readers the impression that they are being allowed a private peek into the long ago and faraway. Brief source notes are appended.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 2-5, younger for reading aloud. Talk about rough childhoods! The siblings in this well-told and illustrated anthology suffer hardship in a myriad of fairy-tale forms: cruel queens, witches, and stepmothers (an author's note addresses the fairy tale tendency to demonize "reconstituted families"); starvation, separation, and loss; and shape-shifting evil enchantments. The siblings are both victims and heroes, finding salvation in magic, the animal world, and within each other. Throughout, as the author notes, the emphasis is on "equality and affection . . . rather than rivalry and discord," and the result is a rich collection of uplifting stories despite the fantastic and often cruel circumstances. With ethnic origins ranging from Japanese to Sudanese to Armenian, the tales contain a few details that may disturb a modern audience: a Moroccan character paints herself in blackface to pose as a servant, for example. But Hoffman retells the stories in clear, captivating language, each the perfect length for a bedtime read, and Emma Shaw-Smith's colorful, highly detailed illustrations, both inset and bordering each page, will keep children engaged. Abbreviated source notes appended. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Baby-Preschool
  
• Hardcover: 63 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Books (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841480290
• ISBN-13: 978-1841480299
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,388,212 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brother and Sister tales, October 14, 2000

By	Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Hansel and Gretel and Little Brother and Little Sister have always been two of my favorite fairy tales because they tell of siblings working together and succeeding. Consequently, I am happy Barefoot Books has published this new collection of brother and sister tales gathered from around the world. These stories make great bedtime reading to or for siblings. The illustrations are also beautiful and enhance the stories by showing native settings. This would make a great gift to some of your favorite siblings or young children who are just learning how to work together. The strengths and weaknesses of each sibling complement the other sibling, ensuring the success they might not accomplish by themselves. Families are universal and this collection proves it.