The Monster That Grew Small: An Egyptian Folktale - Hardcover

Grant, Joan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688068081 ISBN 13: 9780688068080

Publisher: William Morrow & Company, 1987

Synopsis

A retelling of an Egyptian folktale in which a timid boy finds courage by going after a monster that seems to shrink when confronted.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 3 Miobi fears the wild animals of the forest and river. When he frees a hare caught in some brambles and is asked what he wants for a reward, Miobi re quests courage. Armed with a dagger and instructions to look up to the hare-in-the- moon when his fears are strongest, Miobi sets out. Due to the hare's inspiration he outwits hungry crocodiles and a pair of serpents. Finally, while helping a village terrorized by a dragon, he makes an as tonishing discovery: the further away the monster, the larger it looms. By the time Miobi enters the creature's den, the monster has shrunk to the size of a frog, and Miobi takes him home as a pet. There's excellent psychology here: fear confronted gets cut down to size. As a story this retelling of an Egyptian folk talk fares less well. The narrative lacks dramatic tension; too many extraneous details make it unfocused and rambling. The role of the hare remains unclear, and the ending dwindles off with some limp comments. The illustrations, full color and mainly full page, lend an air of au thenticity with their formal, stylized look suggesting the art of ancient Egypt. A double-page spread of the monster and a scene with the two vipers stand out. Unfortunately, the pictures lack sur prise. They illustrate but do not extend the tale nor deepen readers' understand ing of it. Overall, a volume with many nice touches that don't add up to a satis factory whole. Ellen D. Warwick, Rob bins Junior Library, Arlington, Mass.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Miobi is known as the Frightened One within his village. He is ridiculed for his fear of snakes, crocodiles and spiders, and for his dread of the dark forest. One day he encounters a hare trapped in a thicket and, overcoming his urge to flee, rescues the helpless animal. "What would you like best in the world to have?" asks the enchanted hare. Miobi's one great wish is for courage, and so begins a mythical adventure rife with danger, in which he faces his greatest challenge and meets with a surprising victory. Stunning visuals filled with jewel-toned intricacies embellish the unusual tale, adapted from Egyptian sources. Ages 4-9.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0688068081
• ISBN 13: 9780688068080
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Schwarz Jill K.