Perfect match of story and art. V. funny, and more. Same motif as [b:The Gingerbread Man|99081|The Gingerbread Man|Catherine McCafferty|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328746235s/99081.jpg|95521] but with an elaboration, a heart-tugging 'frame' story. Recommended for all who like folk tale adaptations and all who who have even one bone of nostalgia for classic picture-books in their body. ( )

Great illustrations, and a gingerbread boy story feel. Very neat looking book. ( )

The story is about a young boy named Johnny who lives with an older man and woman, who could possibly be his grandparents although the story did not indicate. The three of them live high in the mountains away from civilization and rely sole on their farm and their animals to provide their daily necessities. Tragedy strikes when a wolf over a period of two nights carries off their chickens and sheep. Then the pig wanders off and gets lost. Finally the cow falls into the brook and breaks her leg. As a result, they find themselves low on food and the older couple decides that it is best that Johnny leave and find another suitable home. The old woman fashions a homemade backpack out of sacking by putting on straps and fills it with what little they can provide. On top, the old woman places a Journey Cake she had baked. Johnny begins his journey down towards the valley; however, he encounters trouble with his backpack and the Journey Cake falls out and rolls away. During Johnny’s attempt to recover the Journey Cake, he comes across a cow, a duck, two sheep, a pig, a flock of red hens, and a gray donkey; all of whom join Johnny in his chase. All follow the Journey Cake who goes higher and higher up the road until Johnny notices that he is back home. The animals disperse about the farm and the old couple joyfully greets Johnny, praising him for bringing the animals with him.

This book itself has great sentimental value to me, as I can remember my own grandmother reading this book aloud when she kept me. When she passed away, the book was then given to me and I have kept it all of these years.

Extensions that could be used in a classroom setting include discussing what it would be like to live isolated from all of the conveniences we take for granted. In addition, the students could be asked to identify moutain locations that are so remote on a map. ( )

This book would be more appealing to a child's sense of humor. One thing I did notice was the mood of the old man was grumpy, old woman singing, and Johnny whistling. This would just be a fun read for the class. Personally I wasn't all that fond of it. ( )