Traditional Books Continued

Puss in Boots by Charles Perrault

This book is about a cat named Puss, and his master, and the miller’s son.  They in many adventures that are really comedic and fun.  This book is a great excited story that will keep children, as well as adults on their feet and left wanting to read more.  I liked this book because I have an image of Puss already in my head from the Shrek movies.

Persephone by Sally Pomme Clayton

The young goddess Persephone is snatched from her home by Hades, evil god of the Underworld. She was taken away to live underground and become his bride. Persephone's mother, Demeter, goddess of Earth, is so brokenhearted that she curses all the land so nothing can grow making winter the season all year round. This book is all about Greek Mythology and how she escaped the underground.  I loved this book because I have always loved Greek Mythology.

The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen

This book is about a duckling that doesn't fit in with the other ducklings. Everyone treats him poorly, and teases him so he decides to run off. Someone takes him in for the Winter but sets him free when it is Spring. At the end of the book he turns into a swan and a group of swans adopt him.

The Story of Jumping Mouse by John Steptoe

After hearing tales of the Far Off Land, a young mouse travels to find it. On the way to Far Off Land, he meets a magical frog named Jumping Mouse. Throughout the adventure, Jumping Mouse meets a variety of other animals all in need of his help. Jumping Mouse helps the other animals and is rewarded by magically becoming an eagle who will live in Far Off Land forever.  I liked this book because it is a great story about the good karma from helping others.

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

This book is the French version of the classic Disney story of the young girl who is poorly treated by her mean stepmother and stepsisters. Cinderella received this name from her stepsister because she always liked to sit next to the chimney in a pile of ashes. It was Cinderella that did all the handy work in the house. Cinderella was a beautiful child, but she had horrible luck. One night the prince was having a ball. Cinderella’s stepsisters did not let her go to the ball, but she is visited by her godmother who gave her a beautiful chariot and all the works. She helps her godmother gather all the pieces of the look and arrives at the ball. She goes to the ball and dances with the prince but has to run out late to leave by midnight; when the magic wears off. She leaves a shoe behind that the prince ends up finding.  With the shoe, he tests it on all the girls of the town and finds her!  They end up living “happily ever after”.  I loved this book because it is a classic and always great to read again.