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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
The story is an old one with many iterations. This version came from a 19th-century play traditionally performed in Cornwall during the Christmas season. I remember two versions of the story from my childhood: Rumpelstiltskin and Tom Tit Tot. The biggest difference in these tales is that Duffy is a young woman who, herself, claims to be able to spin, weave and knit (regular cloth), while in the other stories it was the girl’s father who boasted his daughter could spin straw into gold. Duffy’s devil states he will take HER away after three years; Rumpelstiltskin gives the girl only three days to guess his name, or he will take her newborn child. Minor quibbles. It’s a fairy tale that has appealed to children (and their parents) for centuries.
The book won the Caldecott medal. Margo Zemach’s illustrations are wonderfully detailed and help support the story. I found myself examining them for small details. I particularly loved the wedding feast illustration.
The book won the Caldecott medal. Margo Zemach’s illustrations are wonderfully detailed and help support the story. I found myself examining them for small details. I particularly loved the wedding feast illustration.
cstoeger's review
The pictures remind me of [a:Tomie dePaola|8725|Tomie dePaola|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1200682227p2/8725.jpg].
a_manning11's review
4.0
This traditional Cornish version of a Rumpelstiltskin tale is more accessible than the traditional version, because its characters are much more down-to-earth and interesting.
Illustrated by Margot Zemach.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1974.
Illustrated by Margot Zemach.
Caldecott Medal Winner 1974.
mrsbond's review
3.0
Duffy makes a deal with the devil to spin socks and other garments for Squire Lovel. She must guess the devil's name by the end of 3 years or he will take her away.
mjfmjfmjf's review
3.0
An okay retelling of a Cornish version of Rumpelstiltskin, which won a Caldecott Award. Okay art, okay writing - a bit wordy for a picture book. Definitely not Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter which I much prefer.
kimberlyjerger's review against another edition
3.0
*3
1974 Caldecott Medal
A Cornish folktale retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, Duffy and the Devil finds Squire Lovel hiring Duffy to do his knitting and spinning to help his aging housekeeper. Duffy, however, does not know how to knit or spin, and makes a deal with the devil, literally. The devil will do all the knitting, spinning, and mending for three years, and at the end of that time, Duffy must correctly guess his name or she will be his forever.
The illustrations are unique and cartoon-like, with a variety of colors and a busy style. Apparently done in watercolor and ink, the illustrations have an inherent messiness that matches the story quite well. Overall, a bit of an oddball book.
1974 Caldecott Medal
A Cornish folktale retelling of Rumpelstiltskin, Duffy and the Devil finds Squire Lovel hiring Duffy to do his knitting and spinning to help his aging housekeeper. Duffy, however, does not know how to knit or spin, and makes a deal with the devil, literally. The devil will do all the knitting, spinning, and mending for three years, and at the end of that time, Duffy must correctly guess his name or she will be his forever.
The illustrations are unique and cartoon-like, with a variety of colors and a busy style. Apparently done in watercolor and ink, the illustrations have an inherent messiness that matches the story quite well. Overall, a bit of an oddball book.
libraryrobin's review
3.0
An alternate version of the Rumplestiltskin tale with a twist at the end.
Not a fan of the messy illustration style.
Not a fan of the messy illustration style.