Toads and Diamonds

About this book

Rene lives with her selfish stepmother and stepsister. She does all the housework and the chores. Her only escape from their demands is her daily walk to the spring for water. One day an old woman sitting on the bench near the spring asks for a glass of water and Rene graciously brings her one. In thanks the old womanpresents her with a gift both strange and wonderful. When the stepmother sees Renes gift she immediately orders her daughter Francine to go to the spring and return with as rich a gift. But the gift Francine receives is not what either of them had expected.... The kind-and-unkind-sisters theme has long been a favorite of folklorists. In this fresh and charming version Charlotte Hucks polished retelling and Anita Lobels magnificent humorous illustrations add up to a beautiful timeless and satisfying picture book.