When Apples Grew Noses and White Horses Flew: Tales of Ti-Jean

by Jan Andrews, Dušan Petričić (Illustrator)

In these three imaginative stories, Jan Andrews introduces us to Quebec’s traditional folktale hero, Ti-Jean. He’s an endearing character who is both wise and foolish, and though he does find himself in hard situations (often of his own making), in the end, he somehow manages to do what needs to be done. In “Ti-Jean and the Princess of Tomboso” he eventually outwits a greedy princess; in “Ti-Jean the Marble Player” he gets the best of a pint-sized scoundrel; and in “How Ti-Jean Became a Fiddler” he turns the tables on a too-clever-for-her-own-good seigneur’s daughter, and finds true love in the process.

Jan Andrews’ simple, no-nonsense text and Dušan Petricic’s sly and witty illustrations bring contemporary energy to the traditional folktale genre. There’s nothing old fashioned about these New World tales, which are funny, witty and wise at the same time.

Genres: Canada, Childrens, Middle Grade, Folklore

72 pages, Hardcover

First published January 8, 2011

About the author

Jan Andrews lives down the end of a road on a lake and has a passion for the Canadian wilderness. As a storyteller, she has a particular love for the traditional folk and fairy tales. She has read from the world’s great epics and, during summer weekends, has organized complete retellings of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. Her writing comes out of a conviction that young people can find, within themselves, all they need to manage in their lives. She also knows the power of humor as a means of finding the way through the darkness and delights in a rollicking good tale. She is the author of ten books for children, several of which have been shortlisted for major awards.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, nicely done. I wish there were more stories, and I wish that even more of the flavor of Canada came through, but honestly I'm just being greedy because I enjoyed so much what was included. Stories gracefully told, illustrations fitting and fun. Introduction and source note included.

[Karan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read most of this in the past, but am collecting children's books in my collection to bring to friends tomorrow. Wonderful! The author too was a wonderful woman. I was delighted to hear her as a story-teller and work with her in another instance (bringing her into my workplace).

[Diza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to find this book for years, I read it in elementary school! I remember it being one of the most interesting and memorable books I read at a young age

[Nabahat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood favourite :-)

[Ardea Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title / Author / Publication Date: When Apples Grew Noses and White Horses Flew: Tales of Ti-Jean/Jan Andrews/2011

Genre: Non-Fiction, Folklore

Format: Hardcover

Plot summary: In these three imaginative stories, Jan Andrews introduces us to Quebec’s traditional folktale hero, Ti-Jean. He’s an endearing character who is both wise and foolish, and though he does find himself in hard situations (often of his own making), in the end, he somehow manages to do what needs to be done. (GoodReads)

Considerations or precautions for readers advisory: Use of French words may be small roadblocks for younger readers or those without knowledge of the French language.

Review citation: Allen, K. (2011). When Apples Grew Noses and White Horses Flew: Tales of Ti-Jean (Book Review). School Library Journal, 57(8), 94.

Section source used to find the material: Children's Core Collection, Most Highly Recommended

Recommended age: 7 and up

[Jenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ti-Jean is folklore tale from Quebec. Ti-Jean does some smart things and some dumb things, but what you come out learning, is to think before you act. It was a good book to read to my kids.

[Thomas Norstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daaaaannng it's been 5 years since I first read this book... I feel old.

I haven't had much time to read lately due to school work. I remember how much I enjoyed reading this 5 years ago and thought it would be nice to pick up again. This book was the perfect quick-read in between a study session. It only took me 20 minutes too.

It's a really short, quaint read. The stories are unique, and it was definitely worth the re-read.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great find in my library system's catalog through rabbit trails of some sort. This is a short collection of tales of "Te Jean," similar to how European fairy tales have separate Jacks appearing throughout various stories but set in Canada.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute collection of stories. I would caution against sharing with young readers as there are some more mature mentions of beatings, death, and imprisonment.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In three different tales, readers learn about Ti-Jean, a Canadian character who resembles Jack from the Jack tales told in the United States. Ti-Jean, the youngest son in a farm family, proves himself to be both infinitely naive and yet quite savvy in "Ti-Jean and the Princess of Tomboso," "Ti-Jean and the Marble Player," and "How Ti-Jean Became a Fiddler." I loved the first story in which Ti-Jean gives away his belt, a purse, and a bugle, all with magical powers, when he is tricked by the beautiful Princess of Tomboso. She gets her just desserts, though, when Ti-Jean discovers that certain apples cause one's nose to grow, and plums make it shorten. He uses this knowledge to get all those treasures back, leaving the princess with a longer nose. Both of them are wiser for the experience. As is typical of these kinds of folktales, Ti-Jean turns out to be smarter than originally thought, and the underdog triumphs unexpectedly. The black pencil and Photoshop illustrations create a lively, well-meaning Ti-Jean.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ti-Jean stories of Quebec are much like the Jack stories of England and the U.S. He may not be the model son that a parent wants, but when the chips are down, you can count on him to deliver...well, something anyway. Not necessarily the result you expected, but something.
Part of the fun of this type of story is that it can wander far afield, whether it's a duel of wits between Ti-Jean and a greedy princess, or a battle of marbles against one of those magical little men who have inhabited stories since Rumpelstiltskin was an apprentice spinner.
The only weakness of this collection is that it is so short, with only three Ti-Jean tales. It will serve as an excellent introduction to the character, though.
Jan Andrews, a longtime storyteller, has made these stories live in this new form, retold enough that the book is marketed as fiction rather than as a collection of folktales, but her versions feel true to the style of the originals. There are notes about the sources for the stories.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of three tales represents the traditional telling of stories of the wise fool Ti-Jean from early French Canada. Ti-Jean must outthink the Princess of Tomboso, Bonnet Rouge and the Siegneur's daughter in order to succeed and survive.

In a true Canadian storytelling tradition these authentic tales offer history and the magic of the story to readers as Ti-Jean solves the predicaments he foolishly lands in.

Recommended: 8-12 years

Subject/Theme: folklore, New France, storytelling, wise-fool
Curriculum: New France, oral tradition
Awards: OLA Silver Birch Express (non-fiction)2012

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are three tales of an everyman for the Canadian people. Americans call him Jack but in his native country he's known as Ti-Jean. He is both smart and resourceful but can also stray to foolish and lazy. A hero with flaws, which makes these stories fun to read as Ti-Jean gets himself into scrapes with two clever princesses and a redcap, yet always managing to come through triumphant in the end to live happily ever after.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jan Andrews' stories are always great, and this book is no exception. The stories are well told and inviting, and the accompanying illustrations are fabulous. You don't have to know (or care) about Ti-Jean to enjoy these stories.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know that I get/enjoy Ti-Jean. Not sure if it's because I've just met him or if I'm simply not a fan.

There's something delightfully Canadian in the "it's not new, but good enough for me" theme.

[Donalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting introduction to the Canadian folk hero, Ti Jean.

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun retellings of traditional folk tales. I think it'd be a good transitional level book.

[Diana Pettis]

3 short stories, fables about choices that Ti-Jean (main character)makes. Interest level is grades 4 to 6. Xavier read it and told me he would recommend to friends.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want more.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute book. Loved reading it. It brought back memories of fairy tales I read as a child. In each story there is a moral to the story. Ti-Jean learns something in every story.

[Carterkempgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved these short, pointed tales about a Canadian folk hero. There's lots of humor and wisdom here.