The Talking Eggs

    This folktale from the American South retold by Robert D. Aan Souci and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney is both a Caldecott Honor Book and a Coretta Scott King Award Book. The story opens with a widow with two daughters named Rose and Blanche.  Rose being mean, proud, and not very smart was the favored daughter, even though Blanche was "sweet and kind and sharp as forty crickets." Even so, Blanche was put to work around the house doing nearly all the work as the widow and Rose spent their time dreaming of the getting rich.  Very early on in the story Blanche meets an old woman in the woods and gives her water to drink.  After returning home, Blanche finds that the widow is upset with her since the water is warm, so Blanche gets scared and runs into the woods where she finds the old woman that she had saw before.  The old woman comforts Blanche and invites her into her house but asks Blanche not to laugh at anything she saw at her house.  Blanche promised an on their way they went.  Arriving at the house Blanch saw odd animals, some with two heads, others with mixed up animal voices, and some with unique colors, but Blanche did not laugh.  Later on Blanche saw dancing rabbits and other very strange sights.  It was there that she ran into the talking eggs and it was here that Blanche will have a test of character.  I will not say what happens, so as to not spoil this fine tale. Let me just say that generosity and kindness wins out in the end while greed is given its due. 
    This is one story that is so wonderfully written that every page excites the reader.  The Old South dialect enriches the story and makes it more humorous.  I wanted to read quickly to find out what was going to happen next.  From the start this tale sounds much like Cinderella, and even ends in much the same way. The similarities are striking. I definitely plan to read this aloud to my class because the story has so much complexity and natural interest.  Everyone likes when cruelty is given its due and kindness wins out. I believe the book would appeal to both children and adults and I am surprised that I have not read this book before or heard about it.  After reading the book, I can see why the story has been passed down for generations.  I highly recommend this book.  This is one of my new favorites. 

About the Illustrator, Jerry Pinkney

     Jerry Pinkney was the illustrator of this book.  He is a two-time Caldecott Honor artist and has illustrated many children's books, including the Patchwork Quilt, The Tales of Uncle Remus, John Henry, The Ugly Duckling, as well as other classics.  He truly has a golden touch because when he illustrates a book, it often receives much recognition.  He often illustrates books by Julius Lester. Pinkney, in my view, is a national hero for his contribution to children's literature.