Jam: A true story - Hardcover

Mahy, Margaret

4.19

67 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0871130483 ISBN 13: 9780871130488

Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press, 1985

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While Mrs. Castle works as an atomic scientist, Mr. Castle takes care of the house and children so efficiently that he soon finds himself with nothing to do until the backyard plum tree gives him an idea.

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From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 3 Mrs. Castle is going to work as an atomic scientist, so Mr. Castle will stay home with the three little Castles. He is an exemplary househusband, cleaning, cooking, gardening and meeting the family at the door with a kiss at the end of the day. One day, this paragon runs out of work; while pondering what to do next, he notices ripe plums falling from the tree behind the house and decides to make jam. As the plums keep falling, he fills vases, glasses and even the teapot. Soon jam becomes a staple in the Castle diet; the surplus is used to stop roof leaks and glue down loose bathroom tiles. The family is growing noticeably rounder and is beginning to have nightmares about jam. At last it is gone. As the family celebrates with a game of cricket, they hear a soft thud on the roofthe plums are ripe again. Charming, soft-colored illustrations filled with round-eyed people help to tell the tale. The nightmare images are particularly effective, humorous and horrid at the same time without being scary. The role reversal of the parents is nicely handled, although Mr. Castle is almost too good to be true. Sure to bring giggles from story hour audiences. Lucy Young Clem, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Public Library, Ind.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

When Mrs. Castle goes to work as an atomic scientist, Mr. Castle assures their children he will care for them and the house. Clarissa, Carlo and even baby Carlo look dubious but their father proves to be a super househusband. The little ones are happy and so is Mrs. Castle when she returns each evening to an orderly home and contented children. They are all ecstatic when Mr. Castle concocts tasty jam from the plum tree in the yard, until his masterpiece fills everything in the house and becomes their steady diet. Mahy, a British Carnegie Medalist, delivers her new story in a merry fashion and ends it with an extra jab to the funny bone, as well as a recipe for the sweet treat. The fun is magnified by Craig's inspired, cartoony illustrations in full color.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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