1: An Old Fairy Tale, Made Better.....
You know the old story. The old Miller dies leaving his oldest son, the mill, his middle son, the donkey and his youngest son, the cat. His youngest son, Jacques, isn't too happy with his bequest. He likes the cat. It's a very nice cat. But what will a cat do for him when it comes to the future. And that's when Puss surprises the young man and begins to talk. He has big plans. He's smart and crafty and as he tells his new owner: "I've got the wit, if you'll supply the courage." With that, the two are off to find fame and fortune and maybe a princess..... Phillip Pullman has taken this well known fairy tale and given it new life. He's added a few new entertaining characters, an ogre, a hermit and two ghouls and enhanced the story by broadening the plot line and making it more imaginative and interesting. His witty and irreverent text is beautifully complemented by Ian Beck's bold and colorful charming illustrations, full of busy action and special details, including cartoon-like thought bubbles with amusing asides that will keep older kids laughing out loud. Perfect for youngsters 5-9, this version of Puss In Boots has a much better ending that ties up all the loose ends and takes readers on a hilarious adventure that shouldn't be missed.
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2: A surprise delight!
I loved this book. Yes, it is a retelling of the "Puss in Boots" story, and yes, there are probably 50 "Puss in Boots" books out there, but this one has an original spark to it. In all of his books of his that I've read, Philip Pullman imbues a smart type of wit that is still acceptable for children, but makes his books all the more interesting for more advanced readers. For example, in this book, there is a scene depicting the princess and Jacques falling in love. To illustrate the problem of it, both of them are standing on opposite edges of the page, looking away from each other, wondering (with cartoon bubbles) when "the question" is going to pop up. (I don't want to say specifically what they said, because it wouldn't sound the same here.) I burst out laughing at this scene, first because it is so comic, but also because it strikes a chord in real life as well. All the characters are funny, in their own type of way, without being overdone. Puss is confident, Jacques shy, the princess lovestruck, the ogre evil (and unedjucated!). These characters really make the story happen, probably as they were supposed to in the first place! Even if you don't like fairy-tales, give this book a chance!
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