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JIM COPP, WILL YOU TELL ME A STORY? by Jim Copp

JIM COPP, WILL YOU TELL ME A STORY?

Three Uncommonly Clever Tales

by Jim Copp & illustrated by Lindsay duPont

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-15-206331-3
Publisher: Harcourt

The late Copp (deceased in 1999) recorded a series of nine children’s records. The three in this book—and on a CD featuring Copp telling the three stories and songs with musical accompaniment—were originally released in 1958. The stories remain “inspired nonsense” (as the New York Times described them upon their release), bound to provide gales of laughter to listeners. They are meant for listening but duPont’s quirky ink-and-watercolor illustrations, which insinuate themselves into the text with abandon, add several more degrees of giggle and jocosity to the happy mix. The tales themselves—of naughty Kate Higgins, who will not take her pill, fourth-grade teacher Miss Goggins, who will not tolerate anyone singing off-key, and Martha Matilda O’Toole, who forgets just about everything she needs to go to school—have a distinctly antique feel that nevertheless works well in the 21st century. The tender sensibilities of modern adults may be offended by the justice brought to bear on sadistic Miss Goggins, but young readers will relish her “reward.” (Short stories. 6-9)