Spider in the Well

PreS-Gr 2–Droll humor and illustrations that have a nostalgic tone due to the palette and style make for a fun read for children, but also for their adults. In the town of Bad Göodsburg, the young newsboy is overworked. In addition to his job at the newsstand he also serves as the chimney sweep, shoe shiner, and milkman. While this might seem to be a heavy load for a young person the townspeople assure him it is indeed fair. When the town wishing well stops granting wishes the youngster is sent to resolve the issue. Particularly concerned are the baker, shopkeeper, and doctor who insist they have very noble wishes waiting to be granted. The boy travels to the well and there he meets a spider in the well. A very clever resolution follows; good is rewarded and greed is punished as those townspeople were less than honest about their true desires. The digital illustrations have the appearance of woodcuts and capture the humor with delightful results.