j_b_'s review
4.0
This one really cracked me up. This one hangs well with the Jack tales, Brer Rabbit, and other traditional trickster tales. I would probably recommend to an elementary school age child.
buang83's review
3.0
A tale of an old woman, her cat, a hungry 'wizard, and death. Somewhat entertaining and interesting sketching, it has a lot of colloquial words and spellings in it. The ending could have been better. Overall, it was fine.
carolsnotebook's review
4.0
I admit it. The drawings are what drew me to Old Misery, along with the title. The blurb above gives a good summary, but I will say I found it amusing who all managed to get stuck in her tree. The illustrations are perfect for the story, simple and amusing but grim too.
But we all know that wishes can often be double-edged swords. The “surprise visitor” who really probably wasn’t much of a surprise to the old woman, ends up stuck in the tree and Old Misery learns why you have to be so careful with your wished.
It’s a cute re-telling of the Auntie Misery folktale. It’s dark and a reminder that there will always be Misery and Death in the world, but I’m pretty sure there are certain kids, some of whom may or may not be in my family, who will love it.
But we all know that wishes can often be double-edged swords. The “surprise visitor” who really probably wasn’t much of a surprise to the old woman, ends up stuck in the tree and Old Misery learns why you have to be so careful with your wished.
It’s a cute re-telling of the Auntie Misery folktale. It’s dark and a reminder that there will always be Misery and Death in the world, but I’m pretty sure there are certain kids, some of whom may or may not be in my family, who will love it.
jmanchester0's review
2.0
It was an amusing story - and the art was good.
But why did I keep thinking to myself - I've heard this story before?
Well, it's basically an old folk tale told in Portugal, Spain, France, and other countries.
Check out this version: https://everything2.com/title/Aunt+Misery
While I enjoyed it, I was disappointed that nowhere could I find that the author let us know he didn't completely make up the story. I guess he has no legal requirement to do so - and Disney has that precedent. But that just seems icky. Especially when this story is copyrighted. Can I be sued if I print the folktale, which mirrors this one in so many ways?
I would have given this 4 stars if I could find somewhere that the author gives credit to someone else, but because I couldn't, it makes it much harder to recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
But why did I keep thinking to myself - I've heard this story before?
Well, it's basically an old folk tale told in Portugal, Spain, France, and other countries.
Check out this version: https://everything2.com/title/Aunt+Misery
While I enjoyed it, I was disappointed that nowhere could I find that the author let us know he didn't completely make up the story. I guess he has no legal requirement to do so - and Disney has that precedent. But that just seems icky. Especially when this story is copyrighted. Can I be sued if I print the folktale, which mirrors this one in so many ways?
I would have given this 4 stars if I could find somewhere that the author gives credit to someone else, but because I couldn't, it makes it much harder to recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for a copy in return for an honest review.
undertowsoul's review
4.0
This book is absolutely adorable. With fun phrases for kids to say and, of course, a moral to the story, this is just an excellent kids book. The illustrations fit the writing incredibly well. This is definitely one to add to your kids' library. I am very fortunate to have gotten a sneak peek at this book.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
hlminton's review
4.0
3.5 This is an odd little book. I feel like it's trying to evoke the Gorey books, but it's not getting there, quite.
librarianryan's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those head scratchers. I liked the book, but it’s hard to say why. In a way it is like a Just So Story by Kipling that tells you how elephant got its truck. In this case it is why Misery exists in the world. It's a dark tale, but you don’t realize it’s a dark tale until the end. Overall I give it an interesting.
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