In this fairy tale born in modern day an angry, vengeful dentist receives two figs in payment from a patient. The first fig he is told will make his dreams come true. The dentist, Monsieur Bibot, doesn't believe in the magical powers of the fig but quickly learns otherwise when he finds himself on the streets of Paris in his underwear.
He wisely decides to use the second fig to make himself the richest man in the world and to get rid of his dog, Marcel, whom he apparently despises.
In this surreal adventure we search for some justice and perhaps some kindness. Perfect for thoughtful readers who delve into the details of the illustrations to discover the depths of a great tale.
Recommended by: Barb
32 pages 978-0395673461 Ages 6-10
************ "These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true." -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack.
Although it was possibly the finest, sweetest fig he had ever tasted, it wasn't until the next morning that Monsieur Bibot realized it indeed had the power to make his dreams come true. While dragging his poor dog, Marcel, out for his walk, he discovered that his strange dream from the night before was becoming all too real.
Determined to make good use of the second fig, Monsieur Bibot learns to control is dreams. But can he control Marcel? Once again Chris Van Allsburg explores the mysterious territory between fantasy and reality in an uncanny tale that will intrigue readers of all ages.---from the publisher
32 pages 978-0395673461 Ages 6-10
Keywords: Read aloud to 8-12 year old, magic, dreams, fantasy/reality, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old
