Mourlevat, Jean-Claude. 2006. The Pull of the Ocean. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385733488.
PLOT SUMMARY
In The Pull of the Ocean, French author Jean-Claude Mourlevat presents a modern retelling of the folktale of Tom Thumb (a.k.a. Le Petit Poucet, Hop-o’-My-Thumb, or Little Thumbling). Tiny, silent Yann Doutreleau is the youngest of seven brothers. He leads his brothers away from their home and their abusive father on a dangerous journey to the sea.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story of the Doutreleau’s journey is told from various perspectives, including his parents, brothers, and strangers that he encounters on the way. Mourlevat manages to give each character his or her own distinctive voice.
The story’s setting in France is established through characters’ names and occasional mention of various locations. Without those mentions, I do not know that I would have been able to place the book’s setting.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Mildred L. Batchelder Award, 2007
School Library Journal: “Poverty and hardship echo throughout this modern "Tom Thumb" story, but it is ultimately the spirit of brotherhood that is the highlight of this tale. It is a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying.”
CONNECTIONS
This book could be used as part of a program or lesson on modern retellings of folktales and fairy tales. Other modern versions include:
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
PLOT SUMMARY
In The Pull of the Ocean, French author Jean-Claude Mourlevat presents a modern retelling of the folktale of Tom Thumb (a.k.a. Le Petit Poucet, Hop-o’-My-Thumb, or Little Thumbling). Tiny, silent Yann Doutreleau is the youngest of seven brothers. He leads his brothers away from their home and their abusive father on a dangerous journey to the sea.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The story of the Doutreleau’s journey is told from various perspectives, including his parents, brothers, and strangers that he encounters on the way. Mourlevat manages to give each character his or her own distinctive voice.
The story’s setting in France is established through characters’ names and occasional mention of various locations. Without those mentions, I do not know that I would have been able to place the book’s setting.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Mildred L. Batchelder Award, 2007
School Library Journal: “Poverty and hardship echo throughout this modern "Tom Thumb" story, but it is ultimately the spirit of brotherhood that is the highlight of this tale. It is a memorable novel that readers will find engaging and intellectually satisfying.”
CONNECTIONS
This book could be used as part of a program or lesson on modern retellings of folktales and fairy tales. Other modern versions include:
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
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