Moss Gown - Softcover

Hooks, William H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0395547938 ISBN 13: 9780395547939

Publisher: Clarion Books, 1990

Synopsis

Candace finds herself cast out of her home by jealous older sisters, but with the help of a witch woman and a magical moss gown, she captures the heart of the young plantation owner.

About this title

About the Author:

Donald Carrick has illustrated many children's books. He lives in Edgartown, Massachusetts.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 5 A retelling of a southern folktale also known as Rush Cape and similar to Cap O'Rushes , this is basically a Cinderella story in a King Lear setting. Candace is banished from her home by her planter-father when she does not tell him she loves him in as flowerly terms as her two insincere sisters. Candace's fairy godmother in this case is a green-eyed black witch-woman who gives her a dress made of moss which can turn into a beautiful ballgown by the use of magic words. From then on, the Cinderella elements take over as Candace uses the moss gown to win the heart of the young master at a three-day party held at the plantation where Candace has gone to work as a kitchen maid. In the end, Candace is reunited with her father, who learns how deep a love is which is, as Candace told him, ``More than meat loves salt.'' This is an excellent retelling of an unfamiliar American folktale. It is vivid and engrossing with a highly satisfying ending. Feminists will be pleased that Candace is not a passive Cinderella who lets the Fairy Godmother do all the work, but who, instead, brings about her own turn of events with the help of the witch-woman. The design is elegant, and Carrick's illustrations are splendid: dramatic, colorful, and crowded with pertinent details. A magical choice for both school and public libraries. Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0395547938
• ISBN 13: 9780395547939
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 48
• Illustrator: Carrick Donald