Tom, Babette, and Simon: Three Tales of Transformation

by Avi

TOMTom is bored all the time. When he's given a homework assignment to write The Most Exciting Thing That Ever Happened to Me, Tom realizes that not one exciting thing has happened to him in his entire life. Then Tom makes a deal to trade places with a cat named Charley, and something very exciting happens. But Tom may never have the chance to write about his outrageous adventure. . .BABETTEBabette's mother, the queen, wishes for a perfect baby daughter, and her wish is granted. No one can see a single flaw in the child's appearance. In fact, no one can see Babette at all. But when Babette finds out that she's invisible, how ill she see herself?SIMONSimon is an only child whose doting parents grant his every wish--until Simon's demands grow so big his parents have nothing left to give him. So Simon leaves home, determined to make his own greatest wish come true. He wants the whole world to admire him, and after a startling meeting with a magical bird, he has all the attention he dreamed of. . .but now he only wishes to be free of it once again.

Genres: Fantasy

100 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Avi is a pen name for Edward Irving Wortis, but he says, "The fact is, Avi is the only name I use." Born in 1937, Avi has created many fictional favorites such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work is popular among readers young and old.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just delightful. These entertaining fables were the MG equivalent of 'novelettes,' long enough to be interesting and satisfying, yet concise enough that they didn't drag or become a chore to read. Good messages, too. This is my second read, because Avi is almost on my automatic to-read list and I had a chance so I took it. ;)

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Three stories by Avi, so as usual, I didn't care for them all that much. The characters go through a major transformation and I'm not sure they come out better on the other side. I think some kids might like this because of the fantastical nature of the stories, but I was not a fan. It is a very quick read though. Kids might like it for that reason too.

[Carfig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three short stories about wishes gone awry: a boy who wants to be a cat, a mother who wants a perfect daughter, and a young man who wants everyone to notice him. Don't forget, it's not always great to get what you wish for! Nice illustrations by Alexi Natchev.

[Mr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Brantner, 100 pages. This book has three interesting stories of transformation. I would recommend this to people who enjoy the un-ordinary. The first story is about a kid who thinks his life is really boring. He meets a talking cat and decides to keep him. But he is always in envy of the cat, because it gets to sleep all day while Tom, the boy, has to go to school. The cat suggests that he and Tom switch places. Tom’s all for it! Later, Tom (who is now a cat) gets bored sleeping all the time, but the boy (who used to be a cat) likes being human, and refuses to switch back. Uh oh!
The second story is about a Queen who really wants a baby. She has all the details of the baby- it’s name, it’s gender (girl) and the fact that it will be blemish free and perfect. She meets a lady who assures the Queen that she will make her wish comes true. Sure enough a baby girl is born. But there’s just one problem... the baby is invisible! What will happen next?
The last story... well, you’ll just have to read this book to find out. But I’ll give you one hint- the man is desperate for attention and that is exactly what he gets! Mwa ha ha ha ha (evil laugh,) it is bad attention.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

clever, simple, and well-versed.