June 1-7: The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship

[Tracey]

This is the first picture book to be read in June and will be lead by Katrina

[Katrina]

I read the book today. That is great you have already read it, Kimberly. Hope a few others get to read it too!

I found it followed a common pattern in many fairy tales. Where a kind but looked down upon person, meets a person or creature that he is kind to. And then they receive extra help to accomplish a goal that the "popular" people cannot accomplish in the end.

I had kind of hoped to know what happened to his brothers in their quest, but since it was a short book, just hearing about the Third brother was good.

On the first page I liked this quote: "But however it was with his father and mother, this is a story that shows that God loves simple folk, and turns things to their advantage in the end."

Simple folk, or the poor and needy, are often more humble than those with intelligence and riches. It is a key fact that those with humility and kindness to others receive many blessings in their life.

What did everyone think about the tasks the Czar assigned him to complete before he could marry his daughter?

[Tracey]

Fairy tales were often used as 'moral' tales to teach the young how to behave. They were just oral tales until people like the Grimm Brothers came along and recorded them and others started to write similar. The actual tale gets altered through many re-tellings (like Chinese whispers) but threads of truth still show. As Katrina said, in this one, a humble person doing good is blessed with wisdom, support and his heart's desire.
The actual title, Fool of the world, made me think about the scriptures where the world would call the things of God foolish and those who follow Him the same. So I think the title is apt. I also thought on the fool having to do more and more to prove himself a little like those who speak for God are never believed until they have proven themselves; there is no simple faith. God has to keep producing miracles before He is believed. Christ Himself did many miracles but the 'wise' at the time called him possessed.
I don't know, but it seems the tale is an altered gospel story. I liked the way the 'fool' was always courteous to those he met along the way and shared his journey with them; reminded me a little of The Pilgrim's Progress. Altogether a good choice. Thanks Katrina.

[SamZ]

This was a cute story, but not my favorite. I loved the illustrations - they definitely fit with the story and deserved the Caldecott nod; but there was nothing special about this one that really made me want to buy it or share it with my daughter (she wasn't interested when I tried, either).
I do love the beginning when it says that "God loves simple folk," and I love the message that so long as you are helping others, it will come back to you in a good way.