The Gingerbread Man Book Summary
TL;DR
Jim Aylesworth's 'The Gingerbread Man,' illustrated by Barbara McClintock, presents a lively retelling of the classic tale, inviting readers to enjoy the daring escapades of a sassy gingerbread cookie who outruns various pursuers.
What is The Gingerbread Man about
In 'The Gingerbread Man,' Aylesworth revives the cherished classic tale of a gingerbread cookie that springs to life and escapes from those who wish to catch him. This rendition embellishes the original story with vibrant language and rhythmic verses that call for vocal expression, making it ideal for reading aloud. The narrative captures the essence of adventure and mischief as the gingerbread man triumphantly eludes a series of pursuers, including an old woman, a butcher, and farm animals, all while exclaiming his signature catchphrase, 'Run! Run! Fast as you can!'. McClintock's illustrations complement the text beautifully, bringing the whimsical characters to life in a visually engaging manner.
The Gingerbread Man 5 Key Takeaways
The Gingerbread Man escapes from the old woman.
The story begins with an old woman baking a gingerbread man. When he jumps out of the oven and runs away, she is astonished and quickly chases after him.
He outruns various pursuers including the old man and a butcher.
As the Gingerbread Man continues his escapade, he eludes the old woman and her husband, boasting about his speed and cleverness as he runs past them.
The Gingerbread Man encounters numerous animals.
Throughout his journey, he also outruns a cow and a muddy old sow, showcasing his agility and tenacity.
He meets a cunning fox.
The Gingerbread Man, overconfident, eventually encounters a sly fox who offers to help him cross a river. Trusting the fox proves to be his downfall.
The fox's deception leads to the Gingerbread Man's end.
In a twist of fate, the fox, having gained the Gingerbread Man's trust, ultimately catches him, illustrating the moral lesson of the story.
The Gingerbread Man Videos
Read Aloud Books for Kids | Dixy's Storytime World - YouTube
Top The Gingerbread Man Quotes
- "Run! Run! Fast as you can! You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man!"
- "I've outrun everyone, and you can't catch me!"
Who should read The Gingerbread Man?
This book is ideal for young children and their caregivers, especially those looking for an engaging story to read aloud. It encourages interaction and excitement, making it perfect for storytime sessions where children can connect with the rhythm and characters.
The Gingerbread Man Best Reviews
- "A delightful reinterpretation of a classic tale that encourages children to engage with the text through its playful rhythm and vibrant illustrations." - School Library Journal
- "With its enchanting illustrations and lively narrative, Aylesworth's version of The Gingerbread Man captivates both young readers and adults alike, making it a timeless addition to any bookshelf." - BookPage
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The Gingerbread Man FAQs
What is the original Gingerbread Man story about?
The original Gingerbread Man story, first published in 1875, tells of a gingerbread man who leaps from the oven and outruns various pursuers, including an old woman and several farm animals.
What is the moral of The Gingerbread Man?
The moral of The Gingerbread Man is to be cautious about whom you trust, as demonstrated by the gingerbread man's downfall when he believes the fox's deceptive words.