The Gingerbread Boy

by Harriet Ziefert, Emily Bolam (Illustrator)

A freshly baked gingerbread boy escapes when he is taken out of the oven and eludes his pursuers until he meets a clever fox.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Harriet Ziefert grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey, where she attended the local schools. She graduated from Smith College, then received a Masters degree in Education from New York University.

For many years, Ziefert was an elementary school teacher. She taught most grades from kindergarten to fifth grade. "I liked it," she said, but she stopped teaching when she had her own sons. When her children were older, Ziefert wanted "a bigger arena" for her work. She went to work at a publishing company, Scholastic in New York City, developing materials for teacher's guides for kindergarten language arts and social studies programs.

"About twelve years ago," says Ziefert in a 1995 interview, "I tried to get a job as an editor, but no one would hire me as a trade editor. So I decided to write my own books." Since then, she has written several hundred books, mostly picture books and easy-to-read books. "I write books very quickly," she says, "in about twelve hours. I rewrite them three times over three days, and then they're done." She writes about twenty books a year.

Reviews

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad the tale of the gingerbread man has not been forgotten. All the classic elements appear in this easy-read format for beginners by Harriet Ziefert, the award-winning author of the classic A New Coat for Anna.

[Skilbane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gingerbread Boy is a very cute children's book. The pictures and colorful and interesting for children to look at. It is catchy and a fun read. It also has a good lesson for children. The lesson I thought it displayed was to not trust everyone, especially strangers. The gingerbread boy runs away from his house and then a fox persuades him into following him and eventually ends up eating him. So, this book is definitely a good book to read to young children who need to understand that not everyone in this world is nice and trustworthy.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repetitive... just how I remember it. Andre LOVES it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor gingerbread boy! When he gets eaten by the wolf, the expression on his face is so funny.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

He's cocky and doesn't see his end. My son in first grade read this to me.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short retelling of the classic folktale geared for beginning readers.

[Hayley Peacock]

To me I think this is a traditional lit book. I was told this story all the time and I think its a traditional story and I love it and want to tell it to my students when I teach.