Review - The Story of the Three Wise Kings

The Story of the Three Wise Kings
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1983
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

Tomie dePaola’s beloved 1983 classic returns to print just in time for the holiday season!

Three wise men of the East, having seen a new star symbolizing the birth of a great king, follow the star to Bethlehem where they present gifts to the newborn Jesus. This beautiful rendition of the well-known tale is sure to delight young readers.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This was just okay for me. While it's a little less disturbing than some of the other Nativity stories I've read, I still don't think that version from Matthew is really appropriate subject matter for a children's picture book.

That said, this is an interesting rendition of the story, told from the point of view of the kings. There are some unintentionally amusing images (such as when the kings all meet up and Balthazar's pointing at the star while breaking the fourth wall, or when newborn Jesus—with a full head of golden hair—is standing on his mother's knee to watch the kings depart). The ending is likewise so abrupt that it's almost funny.

The illustrations are colourful and pleasing to look at, and readers who really like the religious stories about Christmas will probably like the book. As a more secular reader, though, I didn't love it; I'm still uncomfortable with the way all these baby-killing themes are excused. If the book weren't about Christmas, would parents still think a story about a dude who wants to kill babies is appropriate for their toddlers?

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - The Birds of Bethlehem

The Birds of Bethlehem
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 2012
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 34
Format: e-book
Source: library

A perfect first Christmas book

This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird's-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields--not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.

In simple language and dazzling pictures, beloved author-illustrator Tomie dePaola shares the awe and anticipation of the first Christmas. His cast of brightly colored, curious birds will appeal to young children, making this a perfect introduction to the story of Christmas.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Well, that was a big "meh".

This is just a bunch of birds, rendered in colourful illustrations, talking about the buzz around Bethlehem. At the end, they go to check out what all the fuss is about.

Unless you're really into the Biblical story of Christmas, this probably won't offer you much. It's rather boring. The art is okay, but the story is just a bunch of gossiping birds.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 2/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5

Review - The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story

The Legend of Old Befana: An Italian Christmas Story (Legends)
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1980
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

In this beloved classic picture book, Tomie dePaola retells and illustrates an Italian Christmas folk tale, breathing warmth and humanity into the character of the lonely Old Befana and her endless search for the Christ Child.

Every morning and every afternoon, Old Befana sweeps with her broom. “Cranky old lady,” the children say. “She is always sweeping!” Sweep, sweep, sweep.

But when a brilliant star glows in the eastern sky one night, and Old Befana encounters the glorious procession of three kings on their way to Bethlehem, her little world will never be the same.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I first learned about La Befana when I did a presentation on her for school in grade six. That was a long time ago, and I'd forgotten much of what I'd learned back then. So the story in this book was fairly unfamiliar.

In Italy, there's a cranky old woman who does nothing but sweep all day and snark at the neighbours. One night, a bright star appears in the sky, a star so bright that she can't sleep. The next day, while she's sweeping, a grand procession comes through her town. She learns they are on their way to see the Baby King in Bethlehem and bring Him gifts. She lets the procession go on its way, but then thinks about it some more and decides to join it. So she bakes gifts for the Baby King: cakes and cookies and candies. Then she sets out. But she's seized by the urge to sweep, and by the time she's done, the procession is long gone. She never does find the Baby King; instead, she flies through the night and leaves her treats for little children.

The story is cute—and a nice change from the ubiquitous Christmas story we see so much of at this time of year—and dePaola's colourful illustrations are appealing to look at. I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I might. I'd recommend it to those looking for slightly different Christmas picture books about less well-known holiday traditions.

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Review - Pancakes for Breakfast

Pancakes for Breakfast
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1978
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

This wordless picture book follows the trials of a little old lady who attempts to make pancakes for her breakfast. “The optimistic determination of the woman and the gentle humor of the illustrations make this an appealing book for the very young.”--School Library Journal

(synopsis from Goodreads)

Wow. Those are some labour-intensive pancakes.

I probably read this book at some point during my childhood (it's almost as old as me!) but I don't really remember it. It's a wordless picture book in which a woman wakes up with a hankering for pancakes. So she gets out her cookbook, only to realize that she's missing a few ingredients. She gathers some eggs, milks a cow, churns some butter, and buys some maple syrup... only to find that her housemates have been very naughty in her absence. The book ends amusingly with the old lady imposing on some bewildered neighbours.

This book is suitable even for very young children, as there's nothing to read (except the recipe). Readers can make up their own words as they work their way through the charming illustrations.

Overall, this is one I would recommend, despite its age. It's cute and amusing, and leaves one hungry for pancakes!

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: n/a
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3.6 out of 5

Review - Songs of the Fog Maiden

Songs of the Fog Maiden
by Tomie dePaola
Date: 1979
Publisher: Holiday House
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

With colorful illustrations and songs written by Tomie dePaola, the world of the Fog Maiden is filled with magic

As she drifts through her Day Garden, the Fog Maiden passes flowing crystal fountains, rows of dancing statues, and secret, shadowy places where she can stop and rest. In each place, she sings a special song. At twilight, her cat Token joins her. They take a Night Garden walk as Star-Flowers and Moon-Flowers tumble from the sky. Then it is time to leave for their enchanting night journey.

Token and the Fog Maiden first made their appearance in dePaola’s book When Everyone Was Fast Asleep. As in the previous book, the gifted author/artist has created beautiful, dreamlike landscapes in magnificent full-color paintings. The words and pictures capture the experience of childhood imaginations.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

What a weird choice of illustration for the cover! The pictures on the inside of the Fog Maiden and her gardens are far more interesting.

This book is sort of a prose/verse hybrid. The simple prose story introduces the Fog Maiden, her castle, and her gardens. She sings lots of songs in rhyme; some are to the gardens, some are to statues, another is to her cat. The rhythm and meter of these actually isn't too bad. However, the story seems a little thin overall.

The pictures are just okay for me. When I look at picture books, I'm kind of hoping for an emotional reaction. These illustrations, while pretty, don't really evoke much emotion in me at all. They're not that memorable, in any case.

This book may have been one I read as a child, but I don't remember it. I know Tomie dePaola was a popular author/illustrator during my childhood, so I'm surprised this one didn't make more of an impression on me. Then again, maybe it's not surprising at all, given that it didn't wow me today.

It's an innocuous picture book that might be nice to read aloud at bedtime. That's about it, really. Definitely a middle-of-the-road read.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall: 3 out of 5

Review - In a Small Kingdom

In a Small Kingdom
by Tomie dePaola
illustrated by Doug Salati
Date: 2018
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 40
Format: e-book
Source: library

In a small kingdom along an ancient road, a bell rings out. The beloved king has died, leaving his magnificent and powerful Imperial Robe to his heir, the young prince.

But when the prince’s jealous older half-brother steals the Imperial Robe, slashing it to bits, the prince can no longer rule—and the small kingdom is in great danger. Now the young prince must find another source of power and of strength—and he finds it in a surprising place.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

WARNING: Minor Spoilers! To read this review with the spoilers hidden, check it out on Goodreads.

I know I read a lot of Tomie dePaola books when I was a small child, but I don't really remember any of them. When I saw this relatively recent title at the library, I thought I'd give it a try.

The story is simple (maybe a little too simple) and the themes are... well, nice, but I felt like something was lacking. The book reads like a fairytale, and yet the resolution is too easy. The villain runs away before he can be caught, never to be seen or heard from again. I would've liked to see a little more development of that part of the story; as it is, it's pretty unsatisfying.

The illustrations were just okay, and they needed to be really great to make up for the thin story. Overall, this book was mediocre and not very memorable.

Quotable moment:

The young prince's older half brother seethed with jealousy. "The old king was my father too," he said to himself. "How dare he choose my half brother to be king?"

In an instant the angry half brother knew what he would do. Without the Robe, the young prince cannot rule, he thought. He is too young, too weak. But I am not.

Premise: 3/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 3/5
Illustrations: 2/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5