This is one of the first traditional fiction children books I've read. This story derives from an old Russian tale and is a good book no matter the version. This version is about a clay boy, although sometimes it is depicting as a clay pot boy. This simple folktale is very good and has a very basic setting, plot, set of characters, climax, and resolution, as well as the theme, greed or gluttony. There are three reasons I think this is a good remake of the old Russian folktale, as well as find it discomforting. First, I disliked the the illustration as well as the idea that the clay boy just eats everyone, but that is a part of the tale. The illustration where the clay boy is in the town eating straight from the dirt ground scared me as a child, but this frightening scene is supposed to be represent how the boy is like a greedy child. Secondly, I enjoy seeing the subtle differences between versions. In this version, the clever goat has gold eyes and is given a gold paint job on his horns after he saves everyone. Third, the theme for this story is greed, or too much of something is not good. I believe this simple traditional literature could be a good use for a lesson about morals of a story in traditional fiction. Students could learn that it's never good to be too greedy. ( )

Clay Boy is a Russian folktale. An elderly couple, whose children have moved away, yearn for a new child and make a little clay boy. However, the clay boy has a voracious appetite and as he consumes all of the food and drink the elderly couple can provide, he grows bigger and bigger. Still hungry, he eats Grandma and Grandpa as well as all of the village people. In search for more food, he comes across a goat who tricks him. The goat tells him that he will jump into Clay Boy's mouth but instead aims his horns for Clay Boy's stomach. In doing so, the clay boy breaks into a hundred pieces and Grandma and Grandpa as well as everything else he ate comes tumbling out. With simple text and brightly colored pictures, young children will be sure to enjoy this folktale. Suggested grade level: K-3. ( )

Clay Boy a Russian folk tale. This story is age appropriate for pre-k – kindergarten. This story is a moral about the cost of getting what you wish for. The simple folk tale demonstrates that a simple gift can become a monster. The story line contains moments of humor and horror with perfect balance. The illustrations were lavish, realistic and the font was generous. This book could be used in examining other country’s folktales.

Love this book! A retelling of the folk tale of a couple who would love to have a child. The man makes a boy out of clay and he comes to life. He's hungry and begins eating everything in sight. He gets bigger and bigger until he eats the man and the woman! He stomps through town eating everyone in sight until no one is left. He spots a little goat that he wants to eat. The goat tells him to close his eyes and open his mouth and he'll jump right in. But instead the little goat aims his horn at the clay boys stomach and smashes him open and all the people of the village come tumbling out!

The pictures are great. I can't wait to read this one aloud! ( )