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Curse in Reverse by Tom Coppinger
What's a curse when it's a curse in reverse? If it's a curse in reverse, and it's given by a witch, then it's a blessing of course! When a kindly couple, who long for a child of their own, provide an old witch with shelter one cold night, they are distraught when the witch rewards their generosity with something called "The Curse of the One-armed Man" as thanks the next morning. However, the "curse" turns out to be just what they've been hoping for in this surprising Brothers Grimm-like folktale that is anything but grim!
Hardcover
First published June 1, 2003
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 1, 2020
When Agnezza the witch comes to the small village of Humburg after a long march through the winter snows, she is denied shelter at both the inn and the home of the village's wealthiest citizen. Cursing both, she next comes to the homes of the Tretters, who give her shelter and food. Unable to give them a blessing - that being the preserve of priests - she gives them a curse: the Curse of the One-Armed Man. Hurt at her actions, the Tretters eventually discover that this curse brings them their hearts' desire...
I quite enjoyed the story in Curse in Reverse, which appears to be author Tom Coppinger's sole picture-book, and I appreciated the clever way in which the Agnezza's curses came to pass. It was satisfying to see the greedy Mrs. Ragg and selfish Mr. Fooss get their just deserts, and the kind Tretters be rewarded. Dirk Zimmer, who also illustrated Joanna Cole's witchy picture-book, Bony-Legs , as well as Alvin Schwartz's In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories , contributes artwork that is colorful and humorous. Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, and to picture-book readers who enjoy witchy fare.
I quite enjoyed the story in Curse in Reverse, which appears to be author Tom Coppinger's sole picture-book, and I appreciated the clever way in which the Agnezza's curses came to pass. It was satisfying to see the greedy Mrs. Ragg and selfish Mr. Fooss get their just deserts, and the kind Tretters be rewarded. Dirk Zimmer, who also illustrated Joanna Cole's witchy picture-book, Bony-Legs , as well as Alvin Schwartz's In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories , contributes artwork that is colorful and humorous. Recommended to young fairy-tale lovers, and to picture-book readers who enjoy witchy fare.
February 20, 2025
Interesting tale written by Tom Coppinger. I am looking forward in seeing if Coppinger has any other folklore pieces. This book would be a great book to read to kids ages 9 to 12. It is complex enough for discussion but nothing more than the main story plot.
March 30, 2014
Folklore
"Curse in Reverse" tells the story of an old witch who knocks on doors looking for shelter on a cold night. Two families turn her away, and she curses them. A third family welcomes her into their home and treats her kindly. She doesn't have any money, so she tells them that she will pay them with a curse. The family is confused and upset until they realize that it wasn't a typical curse.
This book is a great read aloud for all elementary grades, because the story is entertaining, the pictures are wonderful, and the plot has an interesting twist. I would use this book in my classroom along with a social skills lesson. It teaches the importance of being kind and seeing beyond appearances. I would use this book in conjunction with a class lesson and discussion on these topics. After reading the book, I would have students write in their journals about how they would respond if the witch knocked on their door.
This book would also be great for practicing making predictions. When the witch tells the family she gives them the curse of the "one-armed man," I would ask them to share what they thought this meant. We could stop one or two other times during the reading to see if they changed their minds due to clues in the story. I think that students would enjoy this book and I like it because there are a lot of possible ways to use it in the classroom.
"Curse in Reverse" tells the story of an old witch who knocks on doors looking for shelter on a cold night. Two families turn her away, and she curses them. A third family welcomes her into their home and treats her kindly. She doesn't have any money, so she tells them that she will pay them with a curse. The family is confused and upset until they realize that it wasn't a typical curse.
This book is a great read aloud for all elementary grades, because the story is entertaining, the pictures are wonderful, and the plot has an interesting twist. I would use this book in my classroom along with a social skills lesson. It teaches the importance of being kind and seeing beyond appearances. I would use this book in conjunction with a class lesson and discussion on these topics. After reading the book, I would have students write in their journals about how they would respond if the witch knocked on their door.
This book would also be great for practicing making predictions. When the witch tells the family she gives them the curse of the "one-armed man," I would ask them to share what they thought this meant. We could stop one or two other times during the reading to see if they changed their minds due to clues in the story. I think that students would enjoy this book and I like it because there are a lot of possible ways to use it in the classroom.
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February 4, 2016*SPOILERS* A witch is denied hospitality by an innkeeper and a rich homeowner and she curses them with the "curse of the silent night" and the "curse of the one-eyed jack," before a poor childless couple agrees to take her in for a night and feed her. In return for their hospitality she gives them the curse of the "one-armed man." All three households live in fear. Then the innkeeper is locked out of her inn by a silent knight and the rich man's house is destroyed by a one-eyed lumberjack. The couple is finally blessed with a child but live in fear of the curse. When the witch comes to call, she explains the curse was in reverse...the father is the one-armed man because he has to do everything with one arm while carrying the baby in the other.
October 30, 2008
When a couple who can't have children are visited by a witch, they treat her kindly. In return, she curses them with the "curse of the one-armed man". Why does the witch curse such a nice couple, and what will happen to them? Very cute story, you'll have to read it to find out. Kids can look at the illustrations to figure out how the witch's curse comes into play.
May 21, 2012
theme: witch, magic, kindness
There are many stories about witches, in this particular book, the author made use of the power of a witch and made a twist in the story. The story also shows the different faces of people and their stereotypical view of "curse" from a witch. Suitable for older children.
There are many stories about witches, in this particular book, the author made use of the power of a witch and made a twist in the story. The story also shows the different faces of people and their stereotypical view of "curse" from a witch. Suitable for older children.
September 3, 2014
Yay on the story. Boo on the illustrations.
August 30, 2010
cool story: there's more than one way to interpret words.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews