"The Purple Pooh-bah chuckled.
He was always skeptical of so-called
"magic", but there was something
undeniably amusing about that chicken.
He was always skeptical of so-called
"magic", but there was something
undeniably amusing about that chicken.
He decided she would make an
excellent gift for his daughter, the
Learned Princess (who, by the way,
had become learned thanks to private
tutors - remember there were no
schools in Ancient Times)."
excellent gift for his daughter, the
Learned Princess (who, by the way,
had become learned thanks to private
tutors - remember there were no
schools in Ancient Times)."
The introductory map is titled The World of Ancient Times (with chicken snacks by region). It indicates a number of important landmarks: the Shimmering Sea, the Large Lake, the Mountain Pass, Whispering Wheat Fields, Pomegranate's Fruited Plains, the Dusty Desert, the Village of Uhm, and the Palace of the Purple Pooh-Bah. Each play a part in Gladys's journey.
You want to meet Gladys! Gladys is a dancer and a follower. She is also a pretty ordinary chicken. Each day she follows the Shepherd Boy through the mountain pass, and stays with him as he takes care of the sheep. That boy is no genius. He matures into a handsome, strong, good-looking man, and gives Gladys credit for his dream of good looks coming true. He extols her magical quality to a Traveling Merchant, trading her for a mirror that allows admiration for his new look.
Getting rid of Glady proves difficult for the merchant. When she is stolen by a Long-Bearded Bandit, she almost becomes dinner - until she is stolen again by a Brave Swordsman. The exchanges continue, each made with a hint that Gladys may indeed be magical. Or not. Who knows? Whatever the case, Gladys leads a pretty remarkable and adventurous life ... for a chicken!
This is such a fun book to read out loud that I found myself doing just that, even though I had no audience at all. The humor is engaging for readers and their listeners. Kids will love it when Gladys often 'ploops' out eggs. The illustrations suit the text in every way - bold, expressive characters, wonderful setting, unending zaniness.
Want a giggle-worthy read? Gladys' magic can help with that. Bravo!
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