One Potato, Two Potato. by Cynthia DeFelice. illus. by Andrea U’Ren. Ages 4 – 8 (my 2 year old loves it). Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Aug. 2006. 32 pages. Fiction. $16.00
The Short: This is a great story about an elderly couple that finds a magic pot. When they drop something into the pot it magically doubles whatever falls into it. For this poor couple, this means a new coat, candles, money, and even friends. The characters are grateful and wise and the illustrations are vibrant and charming. We highly, highly recommend this book.
The Long: One Potato, Two Potato had me by the third sentence : “But Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady stayed behind in their cottage, where they had little and shared everything.” They are an ideal couple who doesn’t have a lot, but they still consider themselves lucky. When they do get a magic pot, they don’t go crazy and get all greedy, they take what they need until they feel they have enough. There is no conflict between the characters but they are presented with a dilemma at one point which they handle admirably. This book was also Bank Street’s Best Children’s Book of the Year. Click Here to see the 2012 list over at Bank Street.
Themes/topics of the book: Friendship, Multiplication, Gratitude
Opening sentence and a 1-2 sentence synopsis: “Mr. and Mrs. O’Grady lived alone on a bare and rocky hillside.” An elderly couple find a magic pot that doubles anything which falls into it.
Where Obtained: Library.
FTC Disclosures: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” If you click on the link and purchase the book, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author/Illustrator Websites:
- Cynthia DeFelice’s Website: http://cynthiadefelice.com/picture-books/one-potato-two-potato
- Andrea U’Ren’s Website: https://sites.google.com/site/andreaurencom/
Available resources: This book is all about doubling. So you can take any group of objects and start doubling them — socks for example. Coins would work or blocks — really anything where you have enough of them to double them.
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I’m sharing this post with Perfect Picture Book Fridays over at Susanna Leonard Hill’s fantastic blog! Her website is an incredible resource for picture book reviews and all things children’s books. I’m always impressed at what I find on her site. Please take a moment and check it out.
The Picture Book Review 
It’s unusual to see a picture book with the adults as main characters. But, this one sounds refreshing and irresitable! I love the message. And, it sounds very humorous. Can see why it was selected as Bank Streets Best Children’s Book of the Year. Great selection!
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You’re absolutely right. It is really unusual to see picture books with adults as the main characters. It certainly didn’t hurt the book at all and I think my son and I would enjoy reading even more books about adults. It’s very interesting that you pointed that out. Thank you for reading and commenting! I really appreciate it!
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This looks wonderful! I can’t wait to check it out! And I feel really dumb for not knowing about Bank Street’s children’s lists, but thanks for pointing me to a fabulous new resource!
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I stumbled upon Bank Street randomly while looking for books to read to my son. I hope you find it helpful. 🙂 I’ve really enjoyed their recommendations. Thank you for reading and for the comment! 🙂
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Sounds like a good rea!
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It really is! I love your blog! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
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This looks pretty cute, and with a good message? I like old people as much as kids. I’ll have to check this one out! Thanks!
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From the books I’ve read about on your blog — I think you’ll really like this one. 🙂
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Ooo, I am eager to read this to find out what the dilemma is.
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🙂 It’s a pretty good dilemma. Thanks for reading and for the comment!
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This sounds like a wonderful book with a great message! And it’s always good to add a book to the list that encourages math in a fun way 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
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My pleasure! Thank you for hosting Perfect Picture Book Friday. It is an amazing resource! 🙂
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I’ve never seen this one. It sounds like a good one.Love the cover.
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I hope you have a chance to check it out. It is one of our favorites. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
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Have not heard of this story…that’s why PPBF is so very important! Love the concept of the story…and appreciate the link to the Bank Street book list.:) Thank you so much for sharing! It reminds me just a bit of ‘The Fisherman and his Wife’..but that wife was greedy.
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I haven’t read The Fisherman and his Wife. I’ll have to check it out. PPBF is one of my favorites. I always learn about so many great books. Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! 🙂
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Sounds like a great concept…one that needs to be stressed. Thanks for the review.
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