Papa Gatto: An Italian Fairy Tale

by Ruth Sanderson, Ruth Sanderson (Illustrator)

Overview

Children will love this retelling of a classic Italian fairy tale. Papa Gatto, trusted adviser to the prince, learns that judgment can be clouded by appearances when he hires the lovely Sophia to care for his eight tiny kittens. When Papa Gatto realizes his mistake, his home is in shambles, his kittens are neglected, and a priceless heirloom is in Sophia's hands. Fortunately, the next helper he hires is Beatrice, whose affection for his kittens assures him that this time he has found someone he can trust. The crafty Sophia, however, has other ideas... With its surprising twist to the happily-ever-after ending and its exquisitely detailed illustrations, this charming Italian fairy tale is sure to become a favorite of cat lovers, caretakers, and hopeless romantics everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781566560535
Publisher:	Interlink Publishing Group, Incorporated
Publication date:	03/15/2017
Series:	The Ruth Sanderson Collection
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	608,361
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	1 - 2 Years

About the Author

Ruth Sanderson is the renowned illustrator and author of over 80 books for children. Her fairy tale retellings have been widely praised and much loved by children everywhere. Her original fairy tale, The Enchanted Wood, won both the Young Hoosier Award and the Bank Street College Award. The Texas Bluebonnet Award was given to her retelling of The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring. Her beautiful and ornate version of the classic fable Goldilocks is the latest addition to the collection.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 4-A lovely, lucid retelling of an Italian folktale. Papa Gatto is a clever cat who serves as an adviser to the prince. He allows himself to be misled by a pretty face when he engages an attractive young woman, Sophia, to care for his motherless kittens-she turns out to be a nasty piece of work. Later, her stepsister Beatrice proves that a beautiful character is often concealed behind a plain exterior. Papa Gatto recommends Beatrice to the prince, who is looking for a wife, and when Sophia tries to trick him into marrying her, the wise cat literally uncovers her deception. Sanderson cites several sources for her tale, and the story she weaves is faithful to them yet original. The narrative develops at a leisurely pace, and the attempted deception adds suspense. Beatrice's decision to delay marriage with the prince until she gets to know him comes across as thoughtful and natural, and the story is satisfying overall. The oil paintings glow with warm, rich tones. Sanderson pays meticulous attention to detail and captures the mood perfectly. Only the depiction of Beatrice is a little jarring; she does not appear as plain as the text indicates, but perhaps her portrayal is intended to underscore how outside opinion can influence self-perception. An unusual, well-illustrated, appealing book.-Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA

School Library Journal

"Sanderson's elegant, richly descriptive language contributes to a smooth retelling, and her lavish oil paintings are as beautifully handled as the narrative, evoking the lush textures of the clothing and textiles, the lovely landscaped gardens, and the luxurious apartments... if you have this book on hand, other versions won't be necessary. A wonderful picture book"

"A lovely, lucid retelling of an Italian folktale... The oil paintings glow with warm, rich tones. Sanderson pays meticulous attention to detail and captures the mood perfectly... An unusual, well-illustrated, appealing book."

From the Publisher

"Sanderson's elegant, richly descriptive language contributes to a smooth retelling, and her lavish oil paintings are as beautifully handled as the narrative, evoking the lush textures of the clothing and textiles, the lovely landscaped gardens, and the luxurious apartments... if you have this book on hand, other versions won't be necessary. A wonderful picture book"

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