The Gingerbread Man

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A. 1993. The Gingerbread Man. Ill by Megan Lloyd. Holiday House.

New York: ISBN 0823408248

PLOT SUMMARY

The Gingerbread Man is a folktale about a gingerbread man that springs to life once he is decorated. He runs as fast as he can and escapes the old man and woman. During his escape, he encounters various characters that try to get him to stop and talk. The gingerbread man, being suspicious, only runs faster and refuses to stop. Gloating throughout the story about all of the people he has outran, he comes to a river. A fox, proclaiming friendship offers to help him across the river. In his desire to escape his pursuers, he unwittingly trusts the wrong person and meets his demise. The story ends with an optimistic twist that hints to the reader that his story is not over, but is destined to repeat itself. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The rhythmic retelling of this classic tale makes it familiar to readers. The repeated phrases, “I’ll run and run as fast as I can. You can’t catch me. I’m the gingerbread man,” allows readers to predictably participate in the reading, regardless of reading level. The theme is the same as the gingerbread man was always bragging about how fast he was. He is overly confident and in his cockiness, he falls prey to the fox who convinces him to move closer and closer to his mouth as he helps him cross the river. The ending is different from the original, as we see a pan full of fresh baked gingerbread men. This variation is better for younger children that might struggle with the gingerbread’s death at the paws of the fox.

Megan Lloyd expertly created movement within the pages and built a sense of urgency as the number of characters chasing the gingerbread man grew. She utilized bright colors that seemed to lull the reader into a sense optimism. The illustrations included detailed clues about the character’s emotions throughout the story.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Starred review in School Library Journal: “Fresh-from-the-oven'' appeal. Her engaging art works beautifully with Kimmel's retelling to keep both eye and action moving across each page, thus enhancing the story's pace.”

CONNECTIONS

*Identify figurative language and look for examples within the story.
*Use the text to compare and contrast other versions of the story.
*Other books for children within this genre using figurative language: 
Mackinnon, Mairi. The Gingerbread Man. ISBN 0794517862

Davidson, Susanna. Goldilocks and the Three Bears. ISBN 0794522513