The Bachelor and the Bean : A Jewish Moroccan Folk Tale

Author: Shelley Fowles
Paperback: 32 page(s)
Age Range: 4 - 8

Book Description:

When a grumpy old bachelor accidentally drops a bean down a well, he rouses an imp. In exchange for the lost bean, the imp offers a magic pot that - much to the bachelor's delight- produces food on command. A jealous old lady steals the pot, and when the bachelor confronts her he finds that she-???+-?-+s just as nasty and unpleasant as he is. She-???+-?-+s stolen his pot . . . will she also steal his heart? Vibrant illustrations, strongly influenced by Moroccan art and architecture, depict this most unlikely love story comprised of simple, amusing text that's easy for young readers to follow.

Booklist
When a "grumpy old bachelor" in Morocco accidentally drops a stew bean down a well, his whining rouses an imp. In exchange for the lost bean, the imp offers a magic pot that produces food on command, much to the delight of the bachelor and his neighbors, one of whom, a "jealous old lady," steals the pot. When the bachelor returns to the well to complain, the imp offers him another pot; this time one that produces dishes and cups. Again the old lady steals it. The imp's third pot reveals the thief's identity, and when the bachelor confronts her, he is smitten by her "nasty temper" and "awful manners." The two sourpusses marry and assume joint ownership of the pots. Fowles' retelling of this Jewish folktale is lively, funny, and perfectly paced for read-alouds. But it's her watercolor-and-ink illustrations that are most distinctive. Young children will enjoy the shimmering colors and swirling patterns, reminiscent of Jane Ray's artwork, that show the town bustle and the humor as sparks fly between the crabby, adoring couple.