The Cucumber Stem

by Betsy Bang, Tony Chen

Retells the tale of a boy two fingers tall whose two deeds for the Raja secure freedom for his father and a bride for himself.

Genres: Folk Tales, India

55 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1980

Reviews

[Vilo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite folk tales to read and to tell. Who can resist a tiny hero who will tackle any righteous challenge?

[Deborah Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite folktales to tell to children. It is not well-known and fairly long, but once learned, this tale engrossed older children, parents and teachers alike. It has humour, a circular storyline, retribution, physical handicaps that are miraculously cured and true love. What more could you want in a story? Plus a magical cucumber stem! Have you ever read another folk tale with that magical item? The father does not give his wife the full magical instructions which leads to the birth of a tiny hero. He is brave, helps the frog and Toad Princess, dares to approach the Rajah and falls in love with his beautiful and intelligent daughter. He rids the kingdom of robbers with three unexpected magical items, cures his beloved's blindness and gains his proper stature. So fulfilling, and so unusual. Thanks to Betsy Bang for finding and sharing this wonderful tale!