“TOM THUMB” by Eric Carle, Orchard Books, Oct. 1, 2011, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
“Tom Thumb,” a picture book by Eric Carle is actually a compilation of four stories based on tales by the brothers Grimm — “Tom Thumb,” “The Fisherman and His Wife,” “Hans in Luck” and “The Seven Swabians.”
Once upon a time, a poor woodcutter and his wife sat wishing for a child. “I’d even be glad of one of the size of my thumb,” the wife said. Some time later they had a son, who turned out to be very small, and they named him Tom Thumb. Tom grew strong and healthy, but never any larger. His size did not keep him from having adventures, though, and they are recounted later in his tale.
Once there lived a “Fisherman and His Wife” in a tiny hut by the sea. Each morning the fisherman would cast his net for fish, and one day he pulled up a fish with gold and silver scales. Much to the fisherman’s surprise, the fish can talk, and seeing no reason to keep it, the fisherman lets it go. When the man tells his wife what happened, she gets angry and tells him to recatch the fish so that she can make a wish. The story unfolds as the wife makes her wishes.
Hans in “Hans in Luck” has spent seven years working with a miller and has decided now is the time to return home. His master wishes him luck and hands Hans a piece of gold the size of his head as payment for his work. The gold is heavy, and when a horseman offers to trade Hans his horse for the gold, Hans quickly obliges, but things don’t work out the way Hans expected. His tale is told as he continually trades down along his path back home.
“The Seven Swabians” is a cautionary tale of seven Swabians who went out in the world looking for adventure, yet only took one spear for protection.
“Tom Thumb” is a must-have for fans of Eric Carle (“The Hungry Caterpillar”) and the brothers Grimm. Featuring well known and somewhat obscure tales, this book captures the imagination in both verse and imagery. When combined with adventure and magic, Carle’s classic style comes to life. Children and parents alike will enjoy this engaging collection.
