Mollie Clarke

Disclaimer: I review books on how they stand alone without regards to anyone’s personal views about the author. I review based upon readability and how the book affects my life for good, and less upon literary style.

I love the story of Momotaro because it illustrates the importance of being kind and having courage. Because Momotaro served others, he then had the tools he needed to accomplish much good. When we serve others, God grants us the strength to accomplish extraordinary tasks, but when we keep to ourselves and do not impart of our abundance, our capabilities to accomplish great things is diminished.… (més)

A silly young man named Simon can't seem to do anything right in this traditional English folktale, but his persistent and goodhearted efforts are eventually rewarded anyway, when he crosses paths with a wealthy merchant and his daughter. Instructed by his mother to find some work, Simon obliges, but each time he carries home his wages - be it a penny or a cheese - his carelessness and lack of good sense ruin everything. Finally, when the merchant and his daughter see him carrying home a donkey over one shoulder, the daughter's laughter wins Simon a bag of silver and a bag of gold.

Published in 1963, this little picture-book appears to be one of many folkloric adaptations penned by Mollie Clarke, an English primary school educator from Devon. Tales of goodhearted fools who manage to win a fortune are not uncommon in world folklore, but I don't think I'd ever run across this particular English variant, making me glad to find Silly Simon on the library shelves. The illustrations, credited simply to "Eccles," have a decidedly vintage feeling, and I can't help but wonder whether this is a title that will appeal to contemporary children. Still, for those with a love of folktales, as well as silly stories, this might be a good selection to consider.… (més)