The Boy, the Baker, the Miller, and More

by Harold Berson

In return for a piece of bread he requests from the baker's wife, a little boy is sent on an errand that leads to an errand that leads to an errand.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1974

About the author

Studied art in Paris.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a hungry young boy asks the baker's wife for a piece of bread, she sends him to her husband, to obtain the key to the cupboard. The baker, however, wants to make a tart, and promises to hand over the key if the boy will bring him a ripe apple. The gardener promises the apple, in return for a cat, the fisherman promises the cat, in return for some milk, and so it goes... Never was a piece of bread so well-earned!

This adaptation of the amusing French folktale, Un Morceau de Pain, is illustrated in Harold Berson's trademark style, with droll human figures that perfectly convey the humor of the boy's quest, and appealing landscapes in the background. Folktale lovers will recognize the tale-type, in which a series of exchanges must be made, while Berson fans will recognize the whimsical visual details.