The Magic Kerchief

by Kirby Larson

When Griselda gives shelter for the night to a poor old woman, the grateful visitor offers her a magic kerchief in thanks, and Griselda accepts the gift not knowing it might be enchanted.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Kirby Larson went from history-phobe to history fanatic while writing the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY. Her passion for historical fiction is reflected in titles such as THE FENCES BETWEEN US, THE FRIENDSHIP DOLL, as well as the sequel to HATTIE BIG SKY, HATTIE EVER AFTER, and her two latest titles, DUKE--which was nominated for 5 state Young Reader Choice awards as well as being a finalist for the Washington State Book Award-- and DASH--which has garnered two starred reviews, a NAPPA Gold Award and a Capitol Choices nomination. She will have two new books out in 2016 -- watch for them!

In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend Mary Nethery resulting in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: TWO BOBBIES: A TRUE STORY OF HURRICANE KATRINA, FRIENDSHIP AND SURVIVAL, and NUBS: THE TRUE STORY OF A MUTT, A MARINE AND A MIRACLE.

Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil, and Winston the Wonder Dog. When she’s not reading or writing Kirby enjoys beach combing, bird watching, and traveling. She owns a tiara and is not afraid to use it.

Reviews

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirby Larson's fable is one that should be read and enjoyed. Everyone avoids old Griselda because she can't stop herself from telling the truth, no matter what. Until one day a stranger gifts her with a magic kerchief that helps to to tell the truth in a kinder, more gentle, way.

Rosanne Litziinger's traditional art style brings a real folksy flair to this wonderful folk tale.

[Nichole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being nice is better than being mean.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Near a small village lived a woman named Griselda. She was known for her sharp tongue; she said whatever rude thing she thought, sparing no one. Because of this people avoided her, so she was lonely day and night. Seeing her neighbours' happiness made her sad.

One night she had a visitor, a stranger who needed a place to sleep. Griselda let her in so her neighbours wouldn't be able to say she turned away an old woman. In the morning the woman gave her a beautiful kerchief as payment, warning her it was magic. Griselda wore it to the village when she went to buy some things. When she opened her mouth to say unkind things to people, everyone, including Griselda, was astonished at what came out instead.

This is an enjoyable story with a satisfying ending. It is a good story to show children how words can hurt or heal.

[Candi Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I like how it teaches about being kind to everyone.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old Griselda is alone all the time because she has a sharp tongue and prefers to keep it that way. When a traveling woman repays her for a night's lodging with a beautiful handkerchief, she tells Griselda it's magic. Griselda, of course, thinks nothing of it until she wears the scarf and visits the village the next day for her marketing. When she opens her mouth to spit a cutting remark all that comes out are charming remarks. She is shocked and frustrated. Every time she meets a person and tries to say something awful she only has positive things to say. When she returns home she tosses the scarf aside, never to wear it again.

The next day she is visited by the people who she politely spoke to the day before and suddenly finds herself not so lonely!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the moral behind this story: It is never to late to be and do better. A cankerous old women has distanced herself for the people around her because she can not refrain from saying every nasty comment that comes into her head, and she has a lot of them! One day she is given a magic kerchief that stays her tongue when she wears it. This story is wonderful example of how quickly our lives can improve when our temperament does.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet moral; charming illustrations

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good moral.

[Tye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this tale.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about the power of a kind word.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice original fairy tale. Not a fan of the cartoon illustrations, however.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kirby Larson.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magic kerchief changes Griselda's life forever!