Friday, April 12, 2013

PPBF: The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind

It is a beautiful morning here in Berea, KY.  The sun is shining pleasantly through my window, and I am inspired to devote this week's picture book to its glory.  




Book Title:  The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind
Author:  Heather Forest
Illustrator: Susan Gaber
Published August House, 2008
For Ages 4-8

Opening: There once was a man in a warm coat, walking down a winding road.  The sun and the wind high in the sky watched the man as he walked by.

Brief Synopsis: This is an old Aesop’s fable retold through Forest’s talent with meter and rhyme and Gaber’s unique illustrations.   The story is about a challenge between the sun and the wind to see who can take the man’s coat off first.  

Why I Love This Book: A dear friend of mine Lindsay Clavare gave this book to my two-year old son as a birthday present.  She also purchased two tops to go along with it, one representing the wind, and the other represented the sun. 

I love this book because, like all Aesop’s Fables it is a remarkably clever tale, and it is told in a way that is pleasing to hear and beautiful to see.  
  
For more delightful picture books visit Susanna Hill's blog at http://www.susannahill.blogspot.com/

17 comments:

  1. I have read this book a long time ago in another life. Thanks for making this your selection for Susanna's list. I will be checking it out to see if it is the same one I remember. :)

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    1. This book came out in 2008, but it's a retelling of one of Aesop's fables which has been around for centuries. I'm sure you have heard it before. It's a very old tale.

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  2. I remember this old fable... nice that it's done up with pictures and everything.

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  3. Heather this sounds beautiful. Were the pictures appealing to your two year-old? Love the idea of the tops.

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    1. Well...to be honest I think I enjoy the illustrations more than my two year old son. It's meant for an older age group I think. Still I read the book to him sometimes when he's too tired to resist...lol.

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  4. Heather, what a unique and beautiful story. I vaguely remember the fable. Love the cover! I didn't realize you live in Berea -- I love your views with mountains nearby. I am in Ohio. I simply love your community and hoped my daughter might choose to go to college there years ago.

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    1. Well if your from Ohio that practically makes us neighbors! I'm so glad you've had a chance to visit Berea. It's a lovely place. I hope your daughter will choose to come to Berea College as well! I graduated from there a couple years ago, and loved it! It's an excellent little college.

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  5. The sun looks so cheery and the wind so frustrated! I'll have to go pull out my Aesop's and find out who wins this contest!

    - Cathy

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    1. The wind is VERY frustrated! That darn man just won't take off his coat! :)

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  6. I love Aesop's Fables. This looks like it is beautifully illustrated. What a great gift.

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  8. A Gaber fan, myself, but haven't seen this one! I like the sound of the text too. Look forward to finding this one!

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    1. She is an incredible illustrator. I will have to find more of her work!

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  9. Heather...awesome choice for PPBF...or anytime. :) I, too, love Aesop's fables...have not seen this rendition, so thank you! And a wonderful message in the story that will help young ones see that brute force is not the answer to life's problems. :)

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    1. Yes! It is an excellent example showing there is more than one way to solve a problem.

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