The Darling Boys

Helldorfer, Mary-Claire

ISBN 10: 0027435164 ISBN 13: 9780027435160

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 1992

Synopsis

It is up to clever Vi to come to the aid of her mother when two charming but sneaky boys set out to steal the family fortune for themselves, in a rollicking, comic adventure.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A version of the old ballad ``Get Up and Bar the Door,'' set in a bakery, where a widow and her three children struggle to earn a living. Her ``darling boys,'' Swindle and Gyp, stay home and bake the bread while the widow and her clever daughter, Vi, take it to market. The boys are always arguing, and one day make a pact that the first one to speak must lock the door. Naturally, the boys get their comeuppance, courtesy of their sister, who disguises herself and takes their hidden gold, then sets herself up in the next town as a baker. This convoluted retelling of a folktale that is satisfying in its traditional form is disconcerting; Go and Shut the Door (Dial, 1971; o.p.) by Langner is more suitable, with a fitting end that points out the absurdity of quarreling carried too far. The adequate pen, ink, and watercolor pictures do not convey either lightheartedness or humor, and underline the fact that no one in the story is very admirable or likable. Vi as the robber actually looks quite sinister and scary. Stick to the other variations that follow the established pattern, and pass this one by.
- Judy Constantinides, East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library , LA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0027435164
• ISBN 13: 9780027435160
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Halsey Megan