A few weeks ago, I spotlighted my favorite epistolary reads—or MG novels in alternate formats. After I published that post, I saw this book still sitting on my dresser. I just read it, and how could I have forgotten it?
It has all the things I love: nods to fairy tales, humor, and of course, a different format.
If you like fairy tales and love to laugh (or know someone who does), you will love this book!
Synopsis
What if you could send fan mail to your fairy tale idols? And what if they wrote back?
“Happily ever after” takes on a new meaning in this book from actor-comedian-author Richard Ayoade and best-selling illustrator David Roberts.
It’s once upon a time . . . as only the irreverently witty Richard Ayoade can tell it. In this series of letters organized by C. C. Cecily, Senior Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club, the fairest of them all (and a few bitter foes) correspond with curious—and opinionated—fans. So if you’ve ever wondered how a less-than-genius (and less-than-clothed) emperor fell for a certain con, how the Big Bad Wolf is handling meatless Mondays, or whether Rapunzel recommends going for the big chop, no need to look far, far away. Multihyphenate Richard Ayoade, author of The Book That No One Wanted to Read, hilariously imagines what questions modern children would have for characters such as Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, and Little Red Riding Hood—and what they might have to say in return. Complete with clever, spoof-gothic illustrations from David Roberts, this wry storybook may have even the Brothers Grimm cackling in their graves. (from Amazon)
My Take
1. This book has voice in spades and a narrator with his own story. The frame of the story is that C. C. Cecily (ha!) has been collecting these letters as Secretary of the Fairy Tale Fan Club. He also provides intros to each of the letters.
2. It's fun to revisit all your favorite characters. Whether you’ve been dying to learn more about Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, or the Emperor (as in the Emperor’s New Clothes), it’s all here.
3. Fairy tales don't always make logical sense, so getting an insider's view was intriguing. Some of my favorite letters were from the prince (who had the princess and pea to stay), Pinocchio’s Puppet Pros and Cons list, and Cinderella’s letter in which she thinks an i-pad is a type of sponge.
4. The letters often compare the written version to the movie version. This adds a lot of humor, but my teacher mind could see how this could be useful for compare and contrast lessons in the classroom and would appeal to kids who have watched movie adaptions.
5. Just because a book doesn’t have a traditional plot doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. The letters are episodic, although they don’t necessarily tell a contained story. I found this delightfully refreshing.
6. This book is just plain fun! In my experience, kids are looking for books that make them laugh.
Max, the Reading Dog* |
The only dog mentioned was in the letter to Cinderella. Zora complains about her sisters watching dog videos. But if they're watching videos of dogs, they can't be all bad. Don't get me started on the Big Bad Wolf, even though we are distantly related. I'd never eat Little Red or her grandmother.
🦴🦴🦴
Your turn
Do you like fairy tales? What books make you laugh? What do you think about episodic books?
This sounds like a fun story. And it's a really creative way to tell the story. Happy MMGM!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was really fun and creative!
DeleteI think I see Pinocchio on the cover even, sounds fun. Happy MMGM
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, Pinocchio is on the cover. His letter was one of my favorites. :)
DeleteWhat a unique story and one both kids and myself would enjoy. Thanks for featuring the title on this week's MMGM.
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely unique and a lot of fun!
DeleteThis sounds such a brilliant idea, and really well done! Kids will have a lot of fun reading this (and adults too!). Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteYes, the author is a comedian, and it really shows.
DeleteWhat a fun way to revisit fairy tales, and that would be a nice way to slide in some compare and contrast discussions.
ReplyDeleteAgree! I think this would be great for the classroom or homeschool.
DeleteThis really does sound fun! I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Nicole!
DeleteSounds like a lot of fun. A really fresh take. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDelete