Godfather Death

Gr 1-4–As the story opens in a once-upon-a-time setting, readers meet a man so poor that he cannot afford a gift for his child’s christening. He sets out on a walk through the countryside to find a godfather for his child, with the hope that such a person might make a gift to his baby at the event. First he meets God, and is so angry for his impoverished circumstances that he rejects his offer to serve as godfather. Next, he crosses paths with the Devil, with whom he wants nothing to do, and so passes. Finally, he meets Death, who states that he is the most honest among men and promises the poor man riches if he chooses to become a doctor. The man accepts Death’s offer, tries to outwit Death, and loses more than he bargained for. This lesser-known fairy tale, collected by the Grimms and updated by Nicholls, may invite interest from older readers and may appeal to fans of Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories and Neil Gaiman’s many titles. The storytelling is engaging and includes some contemporary grammar and expressions while generally staying true to the tone of a classic fairy tale. Sardà’s inimitable talent is on display in an autumnal palette of green, gold, reddish-brown, black, and white. Her detailed linework and dazzling patterns complement her figurative style which harkens to a different era. Her use of the paper’s whiteness for skin tone enhances the frightening aspect of Death in all of the characters, situating this text squarely in a European realm. Nicholl’s Briticisms will be enjoyed by confident independent readers in the older elementary grades or in read-aloud sessions for developing readers.