Good Griselle

by Jane Yolen

Other authorsDavid Christiana (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 1994

Status

Available

Publication

Harcourt Childrens Books (J) (1994)

Description

Angels and gargoyles test a woman's goodness by providing her with an ugly baby to love.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Nijania
Griselle was about to be married to a man named Bo, but right before their wedding he was sent to war and he never returned. Since he never returned, she devoted her time to the stray animals of Paris. While on her way to feed the animals, the stone angels near the cathedral complimented her on how
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great a woman she was. While the angels were giving Griselle praise, the gargoyles at the top of the cathedral was very displeased. The gargoyles decided to make a wager between themselves and the stone angels. Their wager was that the gargoyles will send a devilish child to Griselle which would prove how good of a woman she really is. On Christmas Eve, Griselle awoke to a child with candy corn hair, a nose touching his chin and black teeth. This child was not your ordinary child. He tried hard to destroy everything around him, but Griselle remained kind to him. The gargoyles prayed to their gods to help Griselle lose the bet. The next day a man presented himself as Bo and told Griselle that he was her husband, but was really just a test from the gargoyles. "Bo" demanded the child to be disciplined and even spanked him. Just when the gargoyles thought they won the bet, Griselle stuck up for the child and told "Bo" to leave. "Bo" left and ultimately the stone angels won the bet. Many years later Griselle dies and Little Bo vanishes, but if you look closely at the stone angel you will see a little boy with candy corn hair, a nose touching his chin, and black teeth. Children can learn about good versus evil, not to judge a book by its' cover, and to be wary of people. Children may also learn to see the good in everyone. The illustrations are rich and eye capturing.
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Awards

Mythopoeic Awards (Finalist — Children's Literature — 1995)

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

5 x 0.5 inches

ISBN

0152317015 / 9780152317010

Local notes

Gargoyles and angels engage in a fearful struggle over Good Griselle, the gentle lacemaker who lives near the cathedral.
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