Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Shoemaker and the Elves: Traditional Literature - Folktale



The Shoemaker and the Elves by the Brothers Grimm and illustrated by Adrienne Adams
Publisher: An Aladdin Book/Charles Scribner's Sons
Pages: 32
Genre: Folktale, Picture Book
Rating: Thumbs Up!!
When the shoemaker and his wife think they are going to fall into despair finacially, the elves come to the rescue in the night. Each night the shoemaker lays out the leather for new shoes, and, for reasons unknown, each night the impossible happens and the shoes are sewn together by morning. Finally, one night the shoemaker and his wife stay up to see who is sewing the shoes. By doing this, they realize their helpers need clothing, and they inturn meet the elves needs.
This is a great story for children on how you do not always get recognized for hard work and behind the scenes labor, but it does eventually pay-off. It can also be a reminder that even when things seems to be at there worst, the can always be hope and the endless possibilities when persons work together. I also appreciate the simple artwork from this older version of this folktale. For these reasons, I gave the book a "Thumbs Up!!"




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