The Hole in the Dike

by Norma B. Green, Eric Carle (Illustrator)

A retelling of the familiar story, originally by Mary Mapes Dodge, about the little Dutch boy who saves his country's fields and homes from the sea

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Juvenile, Classics

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Jean-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a retold picture book version of Mary Mapes Dodges' story about the boy who saved Holland from a flood that was included as a chapter in her book Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates. It's a classic story that can be enjoyed by all ages. Norma Green's retold version of the story is complemented by Eric Carle's colorful trademark illustrations.

[Cameron Formichella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hole in the Dike is a classic tale of a hero that doesn't see himself as a hero. Peter, a young Dutch boy, is riding his bike around the town, admiring the dike and its strong walls that holds back the sea. After hearing a gurgling noise, he realizes there is a hole in the dike. Peter tries all night to stop the leak, but is unsuccessful. Soon the milkman came and Peter asked him to go to the village and send some men to repair the leak. Peter was a hero. But he did not see himself as a hero. He only did what he thought was right.

The pictures by Eric Carle and bright and hold true to his authentic style.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am doing a tulip unit via Journey North with my grandkids as part of our Covid-19 homeschooling. https://journeynorth.org/tm/tulips/Ab...
I thought they would enjoy learning about Holland a part of this experience. This book is perfect for Kindergarten and 2nd grade, a bit about tulips and a nice lesson.
I was shocked to learn that the orstory was written by a woman who had never been to Holland. See, grandma is learning also!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of Eric Carle's lesser known works. But my affinity for Dutch culture drew me to it even though it is not a Dutch tale. The telling was very sweet and calm and the detail in the illustrations was excellent.

[Neeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short and sweet retelling of the story behind the famous statue found in Spaarndam, Holland. Norma Green pays a delightful tribute to the little boy who has now come to symbolize Hollands struggle against the mighty force of the ocean. Who knew that a little boy made such a big difference! An excellent collaboration with Eric Carle who has produced some captivating illustrations. Well done!

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adaptation from a story that was first published in "Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates" of a boy whose resourcefulness and courage saved his country from being destroyed by the ocean. He plugged a hole in the dike with his finger.

Good story (I love Hans Brinker) but the pictures, a mixture of collage and painting are too busy - they confuse.

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s…ok. I’m soooo partial to the original story of The Silver Skates that this abbreviated version just doesn’t begin to do it justice. I’d probably like it better if I hadn’t read (and adored) the original book.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the Eric Carle illustrations. Also enjoyed finding out the backstory for this “Dutch” legend.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about not giving up. Interesting to read the note in the back about the statue in Holland.

[curiouskat_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

and this

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunate name. Of course, it isn't like I picked up on that when I read this story in grade school. Good tale.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

v. patriotic story

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The back story that inspired the tale was more interesting than the tale itself.