Stead, Philip C. The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine by Mark Twain and Philip Stead. Ill. by Erin Stead. Doubleday, 2017. $24.99. 152p. ISBN 978-0-553-52322-5. Ages 9-13. P7Q9
When his daughters were young, Samuel Clemens would make up stories for them at bedtime. This piece of fiction has been extended from a few notes that were found in his 1879 journal. The Caldecott-winning couple have expanded the story of Johnny, a sweet black boy, whose harsh grandfather makes him sell his pet chicken. In a take-off of Jack and the Beanstalk, Johnny ends up with seeds that grow flowers. Eating them gives him the ability understand and talk to animals, a skill that allows him to save Prince Oleomargarine after he is kidnapped. Within the narrative, Stead gives details about his meeting with the author, who died in 1910.
Verdict: Although the story can become a bit tedious, Erin Stead’s wood prints colored with oil paints for landscapes and characters creates a magical feel.
November 2017 review by Nel Ward.
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