 |
Caleb and Kate by William Steig
Book Summary InformationAuthor: William Steig Illustrator: William Steig Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 1986-05-01 ISBN: 0374410380 Number of pages: 32 Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Book Reviews of Caleb and KateBook Review: Amazing story...Steig Does It Again!!!! Summary: 5 Stars
Caleb and Kate is by far one of Steig's best stories! I'll start with a short summary that will not spoil the book. The story is about a man (Caleb) and his wife (Kate). At the beginning of the story Caleb and Kate are angry at each other so Caleb storms off into the woods and falls asleep. A witch finds him a casts a spell on him turning him into a dog. I won't spoil the rest, but you should know that this tale is definitely suitable for children. The only thing that might worry a parent is that there is a point where robbers come through the window of Kate's house but there are no nasty images or anything like that and as in all good books good triumphs over bad.
Steig's writing in this story is brilliant. When Caleb is turned into a dog he realizes how much he loves his wife. He yearns for her attention and love. He misses her so much, just as Kate misses her "missing" husband, and you can tell by the way Steig writes. Steig's writing will paint your mind with emotions such as fear, love, hope, loneliness, and many others. Like all of his books, you won't want to stop reading. I love how he makes you think, "what if Caleb doesn't ever turn back into a man". "What is life going to be like for Kate". The writing demonstrates to children how an argument doesn't mean someone doesn't love you. It also teaches that you don't know what you have until you lose it. It teaches us to live every moment the best you can. Lastly, it demonstrates how sometimes you want to say something to someone but you just can't tell them how you really feel. As far as writing goes this is one of his best works because of the emotion you will feel when you read the story.
Steig's illustrations are top notch as always. Very colorful and vibrant. I have never seen someone who illustrates in such an incredible yet somewhat simple way. The cover of the book would make you think this is a very bland book, but don't let that fool you. There are many different types of settings and pictures. The detail is incredible especially if you take the time to look at everything. I recommend taking a picture walk with your child after you read the story just to talk about and really take in how beautiful they are.
Lastly, don't pass this up. I realize that there are many different options when choosing a children's book, but what I look for as an educator are both illustrations and a writing style that are going to keep children coming back to a book. I recommend all of Steig's picture books to any parent or child! This one WILL not disappoint! Steig's stories are timeless classics that never get old! Caleb and Kate is equally as incredible as his award winning stories like Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, Dr. DeSoto, and The Amazing Bone. Buy the book and enjoy it forever!
|
 |
Biscuit Loves Father's Dayby Alyssa Satin Capucilli HarperFestival; Published: 2004-04-13; Paperback; BookBest price: $2.14Price in other shops: $6.99
That'll Do, Mossby Betty Levin Greenwillow Books; Published: 2002-05; Hardcover; BookBest price: $14.01Price in other shops: $15.89
Marley: A Dog Like No Other. John Groganby John Grogan HarperCollins Children's Books; Published: 2009-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $0.02Price in other shops: $13.25
Lord Brocktree: A Tale from Redwallby Brian Jacques Penguin Group USA; Firebird; Published: 2005-06-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $2.00Price in other shops: $8.99
White Fang (Puffin Classics)by Jack London Puffin; Published: 1994-11-01; Mass Market Paperback; BookBest price: $4.41Price in other shops: $4.99
The Call of the Wild (Children's Classics)by Jack London Penguin Audio; Published: 1997-08-01; Audio Cassette; BookBest price: $11.00
No Roses for Harry!by Gene Zion HarperCollins; Published: 1976-10-06; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.40Price in other shops: $6.99
Old Yeller CDby Fred Gipson Caedmon; Published: 2010-01-05; Audio CD; BookBest price: $13.87Price in other shops: $22.99
How to Talk to Your Dogby Jean Craighead George HarperCollins; Published: 2003-02-04; Paperback; BookBest price: $2.99Price in other shops: $6.99
Where the Red Fern Grows (Study Guide)by Anthony Heald Harcourt School; Published: 1989-01; Paperback; BookBest price: $10.50Price in other shops: $11.10
|
The Real Thiefby William Steig Square Fish; Published: 2007-10-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.31Price in other shops: $6.99
Doctor De Sotoby William Steig Square Fish; Square Fish; Published: 2010-04-27; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.92Price in other shops: $7.99
Gorky Risesby William Steig Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR); Published: 1986-09-01; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.49Price in other shops: $7.99
Doctor De Soto Goes to Africaby William Steig HarperCollins; Published: 1994-04-22; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.21Price in other shops: $6.99
The Amazing Boneby William Steig Square Fish; Published: 2011-07-05; Paperback; BookBest price: $4.46Price in other shops: $7.99
Dominicby William Steig Square Fish; Published: 2007-10-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $2.82Price in other shops: $5.99
Sylvester and the Magic Pebbleby William Steig Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; Aladdin; Published: 1987-04-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.91Price in other shops: $7.99
Brave Ireneby William Steig Square Fish; Published: 2011-10-11; Paperback; BookBest price: $4.33Price in other shops: $7.99
Abel's Island (Newbery Award & Honor Books)by William Steig Books; Square Fish; Published: 2007-10-02; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.27Price in other shops: $6.99
Amos & Borisby William Steig Square Fish; Square Fish; Published: 2009-09-15; Paperback; BookBest price: $3.36Price in other shops: $6.99
|