The Night of the Goat Children - Hardcover

Lewis, J. Patrick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803718705 ISBN 13: 9780803718708

Publisher: Dial, 1999

Synopsis

Based on a true event, this fascinating medieval story of kingdoms and outlaws follows a courageous princess who, with a group of brave children, outwits the bad guys, in a richly illustrated, legendary adventure.

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Reviews

Grade 1-4-With the addition of a bold, clever (and lucky) princess and illustrations, an anecdote about the Thirty Years War becomes a successful picture book. The little kingdom of Beda is under siege from Ubo Skald and his band of outlaws. Fearing for her people and finding the advice of her elders useless, Princess Birgitta disguises herself as a hag and convinces the bandit leader that the princess who rules Beda is really a sorceress who can turn humans to goats and make them invulnerable. Some brave goatskin-covered children prove the latter while the hag/princess appears to become a she-goat. The superstitious bandits flee, the kingdom is saved, and a midnight feast is held to celebrate the ruse's success. Natchev's acrylics make the most of this material, with a flexible approach that allows for near caricature of the bandits, but preserves Birgitta's dignity. Some Renaissance details lend understated authenticity, but leave the action at center stage. Touches of rich red enliven most pages, even the night scene. History, action, and feminism, in an attractive mix.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Girl power prevails in this expertly crafted story inspired by an event during the Thirty Years War (1618A1648). The small kingdom of Beda, with a population of goatherds and shepherds, is ruled by young, bold Princess Birgitta. When outlaws invade, the villagers and their animals retreat behind the high city walls, hoping to stave off the evil Ubo Skald and his vile crew. As the siege continues, Birgitta devises an ingenious and daring plan and, with the help of some plucky village children, she saves the day-and the kingdom. Lewis's (The Christmas of the Reddle Moon; A Hippopotamusn't) dramatic story has many of the hallmarks of a good fairy/folktale, from ogre-like bad guys to the protagonists' brilliant disguises, and his language is suggestive and concise. Natchev's (Forri the Baker) illustrations also create a folkloric atmosphere, combining acrylics and occasional bits of collage for a rich, textured effect. His scenes often demonstrate a depth that brings readers right into the action. The renderings of the princess's finery, the traditional peasant garb and a countryside saturated with thick foliage befits the fetchingly distinctive Black Forest setting. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A thrilling story, at once preposterous and divinely ingenious. The rude and awful outlaw Ubo Skald has laid siege to the kingdom of Beda; all the villagers and their stock have taken refuge behind Beda's thick walls. Although the invaders have so far been kept at bay, Birgitta the Brave, the princess-ruler, is certain the seige will eventually succeed because they don't have enough food. Counsel from the town elders is futile, for they are a witless lot; Birgitta devises a plan of her own. Among its highlights: dressing five mischievous village children as goats, a dangerous foray by the disguised princess to the outlaw camp, and a goodly dose of trickery that preys upon the robbers' superstitions. This outrageous story is based on actual events--Swedes attacking a German town, children dressing as goats to confuse the invaders--tweaked only slightly by Lewis (Boshblobberbosh, 1998, etc.), who knows (and then retells) a good story when he hears it. Natchev's paintings have the delicate and sumptuous qualities of religious icons, resembling the tapestries on which other grand stories have been told, but far funnier. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

When a band of wicked outlaws attacks her town, the wise and brave Princess Birgitta enlists the aid of the town's children. Disguising herself as a hag, she tells the outlaws that the princess is a sorceress who can turn men into animals that can't die. The children dress as goats and, protected by layers of animal skins, parade along the town wall. When the outlaws' arrows prove useless, the villains are frightened away. Lewis bases his story on a historical incident in Germany, shaping it nicely into a tale of ingenuity and courage with a strong female protagonist. Natchev uses acrylic paint to create buildings, trees, and people that have weight and substance, reflecting the story's historic as well as fairy-tale qualities. The outlaws are an ugly bunch, sure to send a pleasant shiver up the spine and prompt a chorus of hurrahs when they are defeated. Susan Dove Lempke

Edition details

• Publisher: Dial
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803718705
• ISBN 13: 9780803718708
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Natchev Alexi
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32