anyone remember name of PB where man eats lots then stomach explodes?

[Beth]

Hello Friends: Back in 1980's, I taught 5-year-olds. They could not get enough of a picture book where man eats lots of things then his stomach explodes. I'd love to find that book again... does anyone know what it's called? The only other thing I can remember is that after he eats all that stuff he sits down at the base of a tree to rest. Then his stomach explodes. Anyone remember this? Thanks, Beth

[Cheryl, Host of Miscellaneous and Newbery Clubs]

I assume it's meant to be funny? I don't recall ever seeing it, but it does sound appealing & memorable. I hope someone remembers it!

[Beth]

The kids thought is was hysterical. I was kind of mortified the first time I read it (it was just there in the library) but they rolled with laughter every time the man exploded. They demanded me to read it again and again all summer. It's a story full of repetition. All the things the man eats (goats and cows and whatnot) get to escape so it has a happy ending. I forget what happens to the man, I guess he lives.

[June]

Could it be The Greedy Old Fat Man: An American Folk Tale I know my library system used to have a acting group come and perform it. He eats everything in sight, including a cat, a dog, a rabbit, even a little boy and girl, until a clever squirrel gets the best of him and frees them.