Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist

What were all those fairy-tale characters thinking? Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich answer this question in paired poems, with sometimes startling results. The Princess claims all those mattresses kept her awake--not a silly pea--while the poor pea complains that the princess snores. One Snow White begs the witch to settle by the bay and throw that mirror away. Another boldly tells the mirror she won't be guided by a glass that's so one-sided. Grumbles from the Forest is a bewitching brew of voices--grumbling, pleading, bragging, reminiscing, confiding--that bubbles with magic and wonder. The spectacular paintings that tie the poems together are full of surprise and intrigue. This stunning collection includes end notes that briefly describe the tales and their history and an introduction that invites readers to imagine their own poems from unusual perspectives.

Author: Jane Yolen, Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Publisher: Wordsong
Published: 03/01/2013
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.15lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.30w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781590788677
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 157673 / Grumbles from the Forest: Fairy-Tale Voices with a Twist


Award: Beehive Awards - Nominee
Award: Keystone to Reading Book Award - Nominee
Award: Delaware Diamonds Award - Nominee
Award: Charlotte Award - Nominee


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 01/07/2013 pg. 59
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2013
Horn Book Magazine 03/01/2013 pg. 131
School Library Journal 04/01/2013 pg. 153
Booklist 04/15/2013 pg. 52
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 05/01/2013 pg. 443
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2013 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Jane Yolen has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Golden Kite Award, two Christopher Medals, and both the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota and the Regina Medal for her body of work. She has four other books scheduled for Spring 2013: a middle grade novel, a graphic novel, a nonfiction picture book, and a poetry book for the very young. She lives in Hatfield, Massachusetts, and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Rebecca Kai Dotlich is the author of more than a dozen poetry and picture books, including When Riddles Come Rumbling and Lemonade Sun. She gives presentations and poetry workshops to students, teachers, librarians, and writers across the country. She lives near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Matt Mahurin is the illustrator of My Beautiful Child by Lisa Desimini. He is also a photographer, whose work is in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a filmmaker, who has made over 100 music videos and three feature films. He lives in Northport, NY.