The Rope — Joe Kulka

2011 STORYTELLING WORLD AWARD WINNER

"Readers will find it refreshing to return to the wholesomeness of a traditional tale like this one . . . This is a good book for story time with grandparents and their little ones."--ForeWord magazine

"A charming tale, brought to] life with brilliantly exuberant (but not excessively exaggerated) artwork."--The Midwest Book Review

A creative new take, this is a great look at older story elements."
--Elizabeth Bird, A Fuse #8 Production

Ma, Pa, and Junior live a very simple, ordinary life. While definitely not rich, they have more than enough to get by, and they can count on each other and on their routine. That is why it is such a surprise when a rope bearing the sign "Pull for more" inexplicably appears hanging from the sky outside the house where Ma, Pa, and Junior live. Unable to make heads or tails of the curious rope, the family decides to go inside their home and think about the mystery over supper.

During the meal, Pa empties his bowl, but he is just not satisfied. He wants more soup, but there is not any left in the pot. Suddenly, Junior has an idea. He runs outside to the rope, Ma hollers for soup, Pa pulls, and sure enough, more soup--much more soup--falls from the sky and covers the family. Ma, Pa, and Junior each attempt to pull the rope for something they think they want, only to be most unpleasantly surprised when they get exactly what they asked for.

In this innovative and enchanting fable, Joe Kulka pokes gentle fun at the trio of charming characters who find themselves caught up in the fantasy of getting something for nothing when really, they already have everything they need. Complemented by Kulka's signature lively illustrations, the lighthearted story rendered in playful language is certain to delight readers of all ages in its celebration of family, modesty, and gratitude.