TALES OF THE RUE BROCA

by Pierre Gripari ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 1969

About: a married pair of shoes who won't be separated by so much as a stride; a would-be-good little devil, dispatched to the Pope and referred to God Almighty (where he passes the not-so-Heavenly tests for reading, writing and arithmetic and wins his wings); a funny face potato (who'd rather have been French-fried) and her soft-spoken consort the guitar. Right on the little devil's doorstep and in a similar vein of intimate, affectionate irreverence is the story of little God who gets permission from Mama God to make a new world (ours) after finishing his homework. (The final remit: the first piggy bank.) However, ""The Story of Lustucru,"" the immortal hero denied credit for the conquest of Gaul and other triumphs because no historian will record his ridiculous name, is a spoof that requires a background few American children can muster. The last, ""Prince Blub and the Mermaid,"" mocks at the same time it marvels at what men will do for love. Six blithe, quizzical conceits, purportedly fabricated for and with the real children of the Rue Broca, surprisingly like the real fancies of children. All told (with panache), a steady sparkler.

Pub Date: Nov. 1, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION