  | Godfather Death Author: Nicholls, Sally | |
| Price: $23.98 | ||
Summary:
When a poor fisherman chooses Death to be godfather to his son, he's certain he's made a good choice-for surely there's no man more honest than Death? At the christening, Death gives the fisherman a gift that seems at first to be the key to the family's fortune, but when greed overcomes the fisherman, he learns that nobody can truly cheat Death.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.20 Points: .5 Quiz: 550368 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (06/15/24)
School Library Journal (08/30/24)
Booklist (+) (08/01/24)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/09/24)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 08/01/2024 *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 mélange 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. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
