The Singing Basket

by Kit Pearson

A version of the European fairy tale that has become part of French-Canadian folklore.

Hiding in a peddler's basket, Jacques learns that his wife is entertaining an unexpected guest while he is supposedly away

Hardcover

First published August 1, 1989

About the author

Kit Pearson spent her childhood between Edmonton Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. As a high-school student, she returned to Vancouver to be educated at Crofton House School. She obtained a degree in English Literature at the University of Alberta, and spent several years following the degree doing odd jobs or travelling in Europe.
In 1975, she began her Library degree at the University of British Columbia and took her first jobs in that field in Ontario. She later obtained an M.A. at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature in Boston. Returning to Vancouver, she completed her first novel "The Daring Game" which was published by Penguin Books.
Pearson now lives in Victoria, British Columbia, a few blocks from Ross Bay Cemetery, one of the settings in Awake and Dreaming.

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Singing Basket by Kit Pearson- Children’s colour picture book- The story is about the life of Jacques and his wife Finet who resided in old Quebec. Quebec is an area where during winter the whole area is covered with snow. Therefore, residents of Quebec work during summer season, collect food items, look after the cow & pig & collect dry wood so that they can save themselves during long winter. When Jacques went to the forest to collect wood, he could return late at night. Finet felt lonely during this long waiting period. One day a guest arrived at her residence. He travelled on a red sledge over the snow. He requested Finet to provide him food. Finet laid the table for him. The guest liked the food very much. Guest came again next day and repeated his visits. Finet informed Jacques about his guest. Jacques instructed Finet to ask the guest not to come again to their house. They were short of food and winter was approaching. Guest arrived again and said to Finet that he will come every day to her residence but she must inform her husband that she has toothache which wil subside if he provides her with French wine. Jacques wears his snow shoes and leaves for the city. He informs his wife that it will take two days to complete the journey. On the way Jacques meets a peddler who had sold him a utensil earlier. Jacques narrates his story of the peddler. Peddler informs Jacques that he has some French wine and Jacques sits in his basket. Jacques is tired and he goes to sleep. Peddler reaches Jacques residences and find the guest. Peddler asks Finet to provide him with food. Finet serves him. Both sing a song narrating the story of Jacques. Finet thinks that it is a singing basket. Then, Jacques comes out the basket. Guest leaves the house. Next morning Peddler also leaves them. Both Jacques and Finet live peacefully. I have read this book in Hindi language. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the story.