Pancakes for Supper

I thought that this was a cleverly written and beautifully illustrated tall tale. Children older than 5 years and most adults will enjoy reading this book, and my kids did. The animals in this book are not scary, they are exaggerated. I would have to respectfully disagree with the reader who thought that this was the" worst book" they've ever read. I believe that this person completely missed the fact that this book is a tall tale. A tall tale is "an improbable (unusual or incredible or fanciful) story" by definition. It just takes a little imagination.

I believe the poor review of one reviewer was based on a misunderstanding of the story. It's a tall tale that relies on hyperbole for its humor and charm. Very young children won't get it, and may be frightened by the scary animals. It takes just a bit of the sophistication, say, of a fifth grader and above, to appreciate a tall tale.

Isaacs, A. (2006). Pancakes for supper. New York: Scholastic Press Synopsis: Based on Helen Bannerman's (2003) folktale, The Story of Little Black Sambo, Anne Issacs puts her own twist on this amusing story. Toby is a pioneer girl riding on the back of her Ma and Pa's wagon when suddenly they hit a bump that sends Toby flying high into the air. When she lands with a bound, she is presented one by one of several animals that would like to create menace for Toby. In an effort to appease each animal, Toby offers each of them an article of clothing. The animals find hilarity in these pieces of clothing and go away feeling they are each "the grandest beast, west or east". Readers find each animal's reaction hilarious and ridiculously funny. In Bannerman's tale, the tigers melt into butter. However, in Isaacs' version, the animals' melted form is absorbed by the maple tree which produces the sweetest tasting maple syrup thanks to an exuberant woodpecker. Toby and her family have quite a feast and continue their journey westward with full bellies and big smiles. Evaluation: Anne Isaacs and Mark Teague pair up to make quite an amazing twist on Bannerman's (2003) original tale. Readers are drawn into this story by its lyrical language, purposeful rhythm, and fantastic illustrations. It is quite a treat! Teague's brightly colored oil paintings mimic 1930's American cinematic pop art. His vivid illustrations and imagination capture Toby's quick wit and the animals' boastful swaggering pride. The energetic illustrations are a perfect match to the bouncy and lyrically written text. The New England forest landscape with its indigenous North American animals and Toby's plucky song about her clothing, do not make this story an instant classical tall tale. However, Isaacs gives this classic tale a new and spirited heroine. Reference: Bannerman, H. (2003). The story of little black sambo. New York: Handprint Books

Pancakes For Supper is a delightful book. The illustrating is excellent and most of the fun of this retelling of an old story. My kids love this book and never fail to laugh at the illustrations. As they'd say, "It's an owner, Dad!"

Anne Isaacs' PANCAKES FOR SUPPER! receives Mark Teague's fun and large, colorful illustrations as it tells of Toby, all dressed up in bright new clothes when she's hurled out of her parents' wagon and deep into the forest, there to meet a hungry wolf! A cougar is next - and only her cleverness can keep her from being eaten in this hilarious tale of forest adventure.