Little Tuppen

by Paul Galdone

When Cluck-cluck the hen hears her chick, Little Tuppen, coughing she is very persistent in her efforts to bring him water to drink

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

30 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Paul Galdone (1907 - November 7, 1986) was a children's literature author and illustrator. He was born in Budapest and he emigrated to the United States in 1921. He studied art at the Art Student's League and New York School for Industrial Design. He served for the US Army during world War II.

He illustrated nearly all of Eve Titus' books including the Basil of Baker Street series which was translated to the screen in the animated Disney film, The Great Mouse Detective.

Galdone and Titus were nominated for Caldecott Medals for Anatole (1957) and Anatole and the Cat (1958). The titles were later named Caldecott Honor books in 1971.

He died of a heart attack in Nyack, New York. He was posthumously awarded the 1996 Kerlan Award for his contribution to children's literature. His retellings of classic tales like "The Little Red Hen" or "Three Billy Goats Gruff" have become staples.

Reviews

[Jadyn]

A folktale is an animal, fairy, or human tale passed down by word of mouth. The book “Little Tuppen” was an interesting small children’s fable. I thought this book was very fun and entertaining for the reader. It is a super repetitive book, but I think that could help students by enforcing what is happening in the text. I could also see how a student would become bored or confused, because it does repeat itself so much. As I was reading this text, I caught myself attempting to skim the text, because I knew what it was going to say over and over again. I know that some younger students may feel bored with the repetitiveness.
I think the story “Little Tuppen” was a perfect example of a folktale because it most definitely was a cumulative tale. This characteristic was displayed in the repetitiveness of “Dear whoever, please give me this so I can get this.” I generally thought this book was lots of fun, just a bit on the repetitive side. However, this type of tale is fun for students. My favorite types of tales are fairy tales just because I like the made-up objects or “magical” people and moments. As a little girl growing up, I loved Cinderella.
In a classroom, a folktale can be a great literature type, because it allows students to share cultural traditions between generations and explores important life lessons. There is a sense of imagination behind folktales, and I love that students can view others imagination in hopes that will maybe spark their own at some point. As a future teacher, I will embrace the fact that students may put a twist on the tale as they retell it to others. There is lots of room for this especially in the book titled, “Little Tuppen.” The order in which the book is told could get easily confused.

[Janet]

During Paul Galdone’s career he illustrated many folktale stories. This one, Little Tupperware, is a cumulative tale based on Scandinavian folklore. Being a good mother hen, Cluck Cluck, runs to find water when her little chick eats too big of a seed. This of course begins the long series of what everyone needs from someone else so that they can give what is asked of them.

Done in typical Galdone style and color palate, I hope folk tales are countuing to be read to and enjoyed by children.

[Saffron Moon]

This rating is for the edition adapted and illustrated by Paul Galdone.