Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
There is an old saying that good things come in small packages. In this story from Italy, storytellers Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss show us that good things also come in furry packages. When a merchant finds himself in a land that is overrun by rats, he realizes that he has the most priceless gift in this country, namely his ship's cats. In this classic tale, we learn that one man's cats are another man's treasure and vice versa.
Synopsis
There is an old saying that good things come in small packages. In the days of the spice trade, this was certainly true, as merchants left Europe in pursuit of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which were so rare at home that only the wealthiest could afford them. When Antonio, an Italian merchant, sets sail from Genoa to trade for spices, he discovers by accident that he harbors a treasure equally rare in the Spice Islands, where the king is looking for a solution to his rodent problem. The ensuing events prove that one man's surplus is another man's treasure. John Kanzler's luminous illustrations evoke the Old World setting of this traditional story and the rich backdrop of he spice trade.
Synopsis
Storytellers Hamilton and Weiss invoke the exotic days of the spice trade in their retelling of a traditional Italian folktale. -Kirkus Review There is an old saying that good things come in small packages. In the days of the spice trade, this was certainly true, as merchants left Europe in pursuit of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, which were so rare at home that only the wealthiest could afford them. When Antonio, an Italian merchant, sets sail from Genoa to trade for spices, he discovers by accident that he harbors a treasure equally rare in the Spice Islands, where the king is looking for a solution to his rodent problem. The ensuing events prove that one man's surplus is another man's treasure. John Kanzler's luminous illustrations evoke the Old World setting of this traditional story and the rich backdrop of he spice trade. Sometimes the best gifts come in the smallest packages. This Italian folktales about generosity will teach readers the importance of citizenship, fairness and respect.