Written by: Joe Hayes and Rebecca Leer
First line: A long time ago there was a poor copule who lived in a small, tumbledown house.
Why you should read this book: This is a retelling of an old folktale—the author's notes claim it combines elements from two old Hispanic stories (although I have also read some of the elements of this tale in an old Yiddish folktale)—that highlights the divide between the grateful poor and the oblivious rich. An economically disadvantaged couple names their wealthy neighbor as godfather of their child in the hopes that they will become better friends, and scrimp and save to purchase a third spoon for their household, that they may entertain their new friend. When the rich man laughs at the poverty of the poor couple, they take their simple, glorious revenge with poetic irony.
Why you shouldn't read this book: The idea that anyone lives more lavishly than you puts you off your food.
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