The Talking Eggs
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989 · Est. 16 min read-aloud

The Talking Eggs

By Robert D. San Souci, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

A vibrant Southern folktale comes to life with unexpected twists.

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 5,567 ratings
32 pages· 2,046 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud
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Bookroo's summary

In a lively Southern folktale, a community faces a mysterious challenge that tests their unity and wit. As colorful characters navigate unexpected twists, secrets unfold, revealing the heart of their culture. Will they overcome the trials that threaten their way of life? Discover a tale rich with tradition and surprise.

From the publisher

The author of such delights as The Christmas Ark and The Enchanted Tapestry joins forces with illustrator Pinkney to resurrect a colorful folktale that captures the unique flavor of the American South. A 1989 Caldecott Honor Book.

Awards

Caldecott Honor (1990)Coretta Scott King Honor (1990)
At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
32
Words
2,046
Reading age
4–8
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD870L
Themes & topics
Books about cinderella storiesBooks about AmericaBooks about cultureBooks about eggsBooks about greed
What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.4

out of 7

5.8

Reading this Creole folk tale is like stepping into another time and place which has been masterfully and magically brought to life through San Souci's descriptive language and Pickney's lavish illustrations. The pencil and watercolor illustrations bring San Souci's imaginative text to life, drawing us into the setting as well as the story. The character's manner of speaking, so different from the way we speak today, perfectly embodies the American south, also contributing to our sense of a very different time and place. The tale features a mother with two daughters, Rose and Blanche. While the mother and sister, Rose, embody laziness and greed, Blanche is patient, hardworking, kind, and courageous. Their interactions result in a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed in which, as readers, we are delighted that sweet Blanche comes out on top.

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~5.6
F&P level
~U
Publication
Published
September 29, 1989
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Illustration details
The full-color artwork was prepared using pencil, colored pencils, and watercolor. It was then color-separated and reproduced as red, blue, yellow, and black halftones.
Identifiers
ISBN
9780803706194

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