Little Pierre: A Cajun Story from Louisiana

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this wonderful Cajun folktale!
Review: Based on the stories of Poucet and Ti-Poucet from the oral tradition in Louisiana, this is a retelling of Tom Thumb in a Louisiana setting. In addition, readers will recognize folktale elements from Hansel and Gretel and the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

San Souci captures the essence of the Louisiana Cajun setting and diction as he relates this story of the youngest child who saves his bungling brothers from the terrible swamp ogre and the life of Marie Louise, the daughter of the richest man in the area. As justice would have it, Little Pierre married Marie Louise and received the reward from her rich father which allowed them to purchase a farm so that they could make a successful life for themselves. And the lazy brothers received their justice also, as they had to stay at home to help their parents.

San Souci also provides a pronunciation guide and glossary of Cajun words on the back of the title page and an author's note in which he traces the various versions of the story he consulted in retelling his story. David Catrow's illustrations capture the lush swamp setting as well as the humor of the characters.

Rating:
Summary: Don't miss this wonderful Cajun folktale!
Review: Based on the stories of Poucet and Ti-Poucet from the oral tradition in Louisiana, this is a retelling of Tom Thumb in a Louisiana setting. In addition, readers will recognize folktale elements from Hansel and Gretel and the Three Billy Goats Gruff.

San Souci captures the essence of the Louisiana Cajun setting and diction as he relates this story of the youngest child who saves his bungling brothers from the terrible swamp ogre and the life of Marie Louise, the daughter of the richest man in the area. As justice would have it, Little Pierre married Marie Louise and received the reward from her rich father which allowed them to purchase a farm so that they could make a successful life for themselves. And the lazy brothers received their justice also, as they had to stay at home to help their parents.

San Souci also provides a pronunciation guide and glossary of Cajun words on the back of the title page and an author's note in which he traces the various versions of the story he consulted in retelling his story. David Catrow's illustrations capture the lush swamp setting as well as the humor of the characters.