Starred review from May 27, 2024
Nicholls (The Button Book) pens a prickly, haunting story about a poor fisherman searching for an honest man to serve as godfather of his newborn son. Who should the fisherman meet first but Father God? An ideal godfather, surely! But when Father God says he treats “all men and all women fairly,” the fisherman balks. “Some people live in great big palaces...! Others live in horrible cold, wet houses...! How is that fair?” Though the fisherman’s “baby son was cold, and his family was hungry,” an offer of boundless riches from the Devil produces similar contempt (“No. Thank. You”). Then the fisherman encounters scythe-toting skeleton Death—“the only honest man in all the world”—who brings an end to all. In fear and trembling, the fisherman accepts Death’s proposal. But when Death provides the fisherman a tempting chance to prosper, the man’s downfall begins. Throughout, gracefully stylized vignettes and elaborate borders in autumn hues by Sardà (Moving the Millers’ Minnie Moore Mine Mansion) present a distinctive concoction of humor and anxiety. It echoes suspenseful, folkloric prose that grapples with truth and human frailty. Human characters’ skin tones reflect the white of the page. Ages 4–8.
Starred review from June 15, 2024
A lesser-known Brothers Grimm tale finds new life. Upon the birth of his son, a poor fisherman sets out to find an appropriate godfather. First, he approaches God but doesn't care for God's sense of fairness--God claims to treat all the same, but the fisherman points out that some people live charmed lives, while others experience only hardship. Next, he considers the Devil but rejects him for his wickedness. Finally, he encounters Death and, upon realizing that Death is always fair and honest (he takes everyone, rich or poor), makes him his son's godfather. Soon thereafter, Death grants the fisherman information that will make him a rich doctor. If Death stands at the foot of a patient's bed, the patient can be cured. If Death stands at the head of the bed, nothing can be done. All goes well, until the day the fisherman foolishly decides to trick Death himself. Nicholls proves unafraid to attach an appropriately bleak ending to this straightforward morality tale, doing so with such flair that many (though not all) will forgive her. Along the way, she tweaks the original tale, turning it into something palatable to contemporary readers. Meanwhile, Sard�'s limited orange, green, and red palette and distinctive style evoke the colored lithographs of artists such as Walter Crane. Characters have paper-white skin. Deft writing and entrancing art prove once more why the old stories are worth retelling. (Picture book/folktale. 7-10)
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Starred review from August 1, 2024
Grades 3-5 *Starred Review* In this wry retelling, the focus flips to the most deserving player in the classic wish-fulfillment tale. The poor fisherman makes the peculiar choice of Death to be his baby's godfather; it's this same hapless, conflict-avoidant dad who goes on to make even more dubious choices and who by tale's end must live with the distressing consequences. Award winner Nicholls brilliantly enlivens her charmingly fable-like narration with punchy, contemporary dialogue: A priest responds "blimey" in response to a ponderous statement by Death; later, the ill-fated fisherman nervously compliments Death's cave of the candles of living souls as having "lovely, er, light features . . . ."Using a limited palette of flat colors reinforced by black outlines and silhouettes, the distinctive art utilizes a m�lange of traditional styles to create a world familiar yet utterly inventive. Though composed with an air of decorative formality, scenes spill over with energetic, near-slapstick action; even though presented with the emblematic conventions of court playing cards, people's paper-white faces bloom or blaze with emotion. Talisman-like vignettes, symbols, and borders embellish pages with iconic detail. Beyond its satisfying ironic twist, this inventive version of the classic cautionary tale offers a distinctive voice, relatable humor, and compelling art to thrill lovers of the folktale canon, ensuring its place as an enduring classic.
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August 30, 2024
Gr 1-4-As the story opens in a once-upon-a-time setting, readers meet a man so poor that he cannot afford a gift for his child's christening. He sets out on a walk through the countryside to find a godfather for his child, with the hope that such a person might make a gift to his baby at the event. First he meets God, and is so angry for his impoverished circumstances that he rejects his offer to serve as godfather. Next, he crosses paths with the Devil, with whom he wants nothing to do, and so passes. Finally, he meets Death, who states that he is the most honest among men and promises the poor man riches if he chooses to become a doctor. The man accepts Death's offer, tries to outwit Death, and loses more than he bargained for. This lesser-known fairy tale, collected by the Grimms and updated by Nicholls, may invite interest from older readers and may appeal to fans of Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories and Neil Gaiman's many titles. The storytelling is engaging and includes some contemporary grammar and expressions while generally staying true to the tone of a classic fairy tale. Sard�'s inimitable talent is on display in an autumnal palette of green, gold, reddish-brown, black, and white. Her detailed linework and dazzling patterns complement her figurative style which harkens to a different era. Her use of the paper's whiteness for skin tone enhances the frightening aspect of Death in all of the characters, situating this text squarely in a European realm. Nicholl's Briticisms will be enjoyed by confident independent readers in the older elementary grades or in read-aloud sessions for developing readers. VERDICT Educators may find this title useful for units on death and folktales.-Jessica Fenster-Sparber
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