Father Grumble

Adapted by John M Feierabend
Illustrated by Erik Plude

Based on a classic folksong, Father Grumble is a bearded old man, who challenged his wife that he could do more work in one day than she could in three. His wife accepted the challenge, and began doing Father Grumble’s chores one by one. First, she drove the plow and milked Tiny cow. It would be up to Father Grumble to feed the little pigs, watch the bracket hen so she didn’t lay her eggs where they couldn’t be found, and a reel of yarn must be wound. Father Grumble was expecting Tiny cow to cooperate, and when she did not, it just made his day longer, and harder. By the time his day was over, Father Grumble was more than happy to agree; his wife did more work in one day than he did in three.

This folksong is a reminder that things are not always, what they seem. The vivid illustrations bring the characters and animals to life. Beautifully painted, each page creates its own story. A fully notated version with all the words is included at the end of the book. This is a charming story for young readers who should relate to the chores that are completed at home.

BIBLIO: 2008, GIA Publications, Inc., Ages 3 - 6, $16.95
REVIEWER: Debby Willett
FORMAT: Picture Book / Music Education
ISBN: 978-1-57999-756-4

REVIEWED FOR: Children’s Literature, Online Version, 11-5-09