The Judge
Sale price
$646
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1969

The Judge

Written by Harve Zemach · Written and illustrated by Margot Zemach

A mysterious threat approaches, but will anyone heed the warnings before it's too late?

3.7/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
48 pages
$6.95Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a town gripped by fear, prisoners warn of a terrifying creature drawing near. The dismissive Judge scoffs at their cries, branding them fools. Yet, as the ominous presence looms closer, the Judge's fate hangs in the balance. Will justice prevail, or will the Judge's skepticism lead to his downfall? Discover the truth behind the chilling warnings in this captivating tale of suspense and surprise.

From the publisher

“A horrible thing is coming this way””Creeping closer day by day–“”Its eyes are scary, “”Its tail is hairy…””I tell you, Judge, we all better pray!” Anxious prisoner after anxious prisoner echoes and embellishes this cry, but always in vain. The fiery old Judge, impatient with such foolish nonsense, calls them scoundrels, ninnyhammers, and throws them all in jail. But in the end, Justice is done–and the Judge is gone. Head first! Harve Zemach’s cumulative verse tale is so infectious that children won’t be able to avoid memorizing it. And Margot Zemach’s hilarious pictures are brimming with vitality as well as color.

Awards

Caldecott Honor (1970)
At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
48
Reading age
5–8
Audience
Picture
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
The author

More from Harve Zemach

Explore Harve's bookshelf
Duffy and the Devil
Sale price
$999

Duffy and the Devil

Ages 5–8 · 1973
The author & illustrator

More from Margot Zemach

Explore Margot's bookshelf

It Could Always Be Worse

Ages 4–7 · 1976

Sing a Song of Popcorn

Ages 4–7 · 1988

When Shlemiel Went to Warsaw

Ages 9–12 · 1968

Simon Boom Gives a Wedding

Ages 4–8 · 1972
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Boats on the Bay

Ages 4–7 · 2018
The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)
Sale price
$1899

The Little Red Cat Who Ran Away and Learned His ABC's (the Hard Way)

Ages 3–6 · 2017
Series
Sale price
$1799

Hop Along Boo

Ages 3–7 · 2016

Warning: Do Not Open This Book!

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Everything & Everywhere

Ages 5–8 · 2018
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

Little Fox in the Forest

Ages 4–8 · 2017

What Miss Mitchell Saw

Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Balcony

Ages 4–8 · 2019
The fine print

Book details

Publication
Published
April 1, 1988
First published
January 1, 1969
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780374439620

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo