The Greatest of All, by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Giora Carmi

The Greatest of All, by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Giora Carmi

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel E., 1991, The Greatest of All, Holiday House, New York, New York, ISBN# 082340885X

PLOT SUMMARY

This retelling of The Wedding Mouse from Uchida’s classic, The Dancing Kettle (1947), is a Japanese folktale about a Father Mouse in pursuit of the perfect suitor/husband for his daughter Chuko.  Chuko has met and fallen in love with a lowly field mouse who Father Mouse feels is unworthy of such a bride of status and importance.  Father Mouse searches high and low for the GREATEST OF ALL husbands. After Father Mouse considers the emperor, sun, wind and the great wall, he realizes that the humble field mouse, Ko Nezumi is indeed the greatest of all husbands for his precious daughter Chuko.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Greatest of All is a classic story of pursuit.  It is the story of father’s unwavering love for his daughter and his desire for her to have the very best.  The Japanese folktale, written for children ages 4 through 10, is age appropriate and intertwines Japanese culture into the retelling of Uchida’s classic, The Wedding of the Mouse.  This sweet story illustrates how, one’s perceptions as to what is the best or grandest in status, size or appearance, can often be deceiving and that the best choice or solution can often be subtle, less obvious and right in front of you.        

Giora Garmi’s broad brushstrokes and framed illustrations atop a muted, speckled background resemble onion skin or parchment and are reminiscent of Japanese scrolls.  The illustrations are colorful and traditional in nature with subtle references to Japanese architecture, culture and dress.  The Greatest of All is a wonderful combination of traditional literature and cultural discovery for children.    

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Publisher’s Weekly- “Warm colors and distinctive texture mark Carmi's illustrations, which include effective renderings of the anthropomorphic natural elements.”

Children’s Literature- “Superb details abound in the full-page sketches providing the particulars on ancient Japanese architecture, costume, and design.”

AWARDS:  Eric A. Kimmel has received several awards for his books including: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, Caldecott Honor Medal, The Chanukah Guest and Gershon's Monster, 2004 Sydney Taylor Picture Book Award, and Anansi and the Talking Melon, Utah Children's Choice Award.

CONNECTIONS

The Greatest of All is a wonderful book to incorporate in multicultural lessons.  Here are some ideas:

Language Arts

Use a variety of multicultural books during group reading as well as on display in the reading of the classroom when studying various cultures, cultural holidays, regions of the world, etc.  (See other recommended books below).

Social Studies

Tie in mapping and/or the geographical location of various countries as you study about them in class. Use Google maps to take a virtual flight to various countries.
 

 Art

Have students color and create a pattern for a colorful Kimono. Watch a video on the history of origami and create origami art. Create paper lanterns using colorful tissue paper and origami papers. Hang lanterns throughout the classroom.

Technology

Show a video on Japanese culture, Use Google maps to pinpoint Japan and/or take a virtual flight to the country.

Other recommended books:

§  The Dancing Kettle by Yochiko Uchida’s, ISBN-13 9780887390142

§  Three Samurai Cats: A Story from Japan by Eric A. Kimmel and Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein,(Holiday House, 2009)

§  The Castle of the Cats by Eric A. Kimmel illustrated by Katya Krenina, (First Avenue Editions, 2009)

§  Cactus Soup by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Phil Huling, (Marshall Cavendish Corp, 2011)

§  The McElderry Book of Greek Myths by Eric A. Kimmel and illustrated by Pep Montserrat (Margaret K. McElderry Book, 2008)