Tom Thumb (Picture Puffin) - Softcover

Richard Jesse Watson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140542795 ISBN 13: 9780140542790

Publisher: Puffin Books, 1992

Synopsis

With courage, wit, and the help of animal friends, little Tom Thumb shows that despite his size he is a hero when the giant declares war on King Arthur's court. Full color.

About this title

About the Author

George Sullivan is a best-selling nonfiction author with more than 100 books to his credit, including highly accoladed Berenice Abbott, Photographer. He lives in New York City.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4-- Although it is not stated, this is a loose adaptation of an English variant of the tale. All of the beginning plot elements--Merlin's granting the farmer's wife's wish for a "babe" even if it's no bigger than her husband's thumb, Tom Thumb being baked into a cake, carried off by a raven, swallowed by a giant, spit into the sea, and swallowed by a fish, which is cut open by the king's cook, who brings Tom to King Arthur--are also related in L. Leonard Brooke's version of "Tom Thumb" found in The Golden Goose Book (Warne, 1977; o.p.). However, Watson's heroic ending, in which Tom Thumb replaces the giant's beloved broken shell, is not mentioned in other variants available. The writing borders on the flowery, but is quite readable. The realistic, microscopically detailed tempera and watercolor illustrations are particularily suitable for this tale. The tiny Tom Thumb would see every hair on a cow's head, and the mobile made of an acorn, a jay's feather, twigs, and leaves hanging over a tiny wooden cradle is an enchanting reminder of just how small Tom really is. The illustrations' perspectives are generally successful and interesting. The subject and these illustrations will ensure this book's popularity with young readers and their parents. Felix Hoffman's Tom Thumb (Atheneum, 1973; o.p.) is based on the Brothers Grimm version. --Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0140542795
• ISBN 13: 9780140542790
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32