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Ouch!
This tale from Grimm is far less familiar than many other; it has been given a brisk retelling by Natalie Babbitt and witty, spectacular, sumptuous pictures by Fred Marcellino. The story tells all about young Marco, who leads a charmed life if anyone ever did, starting off as nobody special and ending up king. Not that it's an easy path, the most dangerous part being an errand that takes him down into Hell. But thanks to the Devil's grandmother, as good an old girl as grandmothers everywhere, it all comes right in the end.
32 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 1998
161 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Babbitt
74 books1,362 followersNatalie Zane Babbitt was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. Her 1975 novel, Tuck Everlasting, was adapted into two feature films and a Broadway musical. She received the Newbery Honor and Christopher Award, and was the U.S. nominee for the biennial international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1982.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 10, 2019
Natalie Babbitt - author of such children's classics as
Tuck Everlasting
and
The Search for Delicious
- turns her attention to the Brothers Grimm in this delightful retelling of their Der Teufel mit den drei goldenen Haaren ("The Devil With the Three Golden Hairs"). When a baby is born with a birthmark in the shape of a crown, and it is foretold that he will marry a princess, the local king sets out to prevent such a thing. But none of his skullduggery - from tossing the baby into a river, to sending him (as a young man) to fetch three golden hairs from the devil - produces the results he expected...
Babbitt has a fondness for devil stories it would seem, as witnessed by her two collections, The Devil's Storybook and The Devil's Other Storybook . Her narrative flows well, although I did wonder why she chose to omit two of the three questions that are answered by the devil, as his grandmother plucks his golden hairs. Perhaps she wanted to make the tale a little shorter? Fred Marcellino, who was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his work on Puss in Boots , captures the humor and emotion of the story, with his expressive human faces and lovely color scheme. All in all, this is a definite must for fairy-tale fans, although some readers might wonder as Babbitt's odd choice of title.
Babbitt has a fondness for devil stories it would seem, as witnessed by her two collections, The Devil's Storybook and The Devil's Other Storybook . Her narrative flows well, although I did wonder why she chose to omit two of the three questions that are answered by the devil, as his grandmother plucks his golden hairs. Perhaps she wanted to make the tale a little shorter? Fred Marcellino, who was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his work on Puss in Boots , captures the humor and emotion of the story, with his expressive human faces and lovely color scheme. All in all, this is a definite must for fairy-tale fans, although some readers might wonder as Babbitt's odd choice of title.
August 27, 2019
A baby is born with a crown shaped mark and everyone believes he'll one day be king, the current king however has another idea and tries to thwart the boy. A children's tale of adventure and tricking the Devil.
Based on a Grimm fairytale, but not one that I remember. I love children's stories that involve Hell and the Devil and Babbitt loves to write them. A short but sweet story about how you can't change fate.
Based on a Grimm fairytale, but not one that I remember. I love children's stories that involve Hell and the Devil and Babbitt loves to write them. A short but sweet story about how you can't change fate.
January 30, 2017
I love that Satan's grandmother is sitting around Hell helping people. Fabulous illustrations
March 1, 2016
One of the Grimm's fairytales that is not well known, I enjoyed this tale. Written in a humorous fashion, the story is almost comedic. Refreshing, it isn't the usual doom and gloom.
When a baby is born to a poor family, they note a crown like birthmark on his tiny butt. Believing this is a sign of great future. and that their son will marry a princess and become part of royalty, their hope is temporarily thwarted when the king learns of the birth. In disguise, he tells the parents he will raise the child and provide more advantages than they could afford.
Unfortunately, the king ensures that the baby boy is placed in a box and thrown in the deep water. The miller and his wife discover and open the box. Happy for a baby, they raise this positive, friendly fellow. Sixteen years later, the king once again discovers that baby, now boy, named Marco.
Another plan is in place to rid the king of this threat. The young man survives because the note written to the queen to dispose of this boy, is thrown away by his captors and, playing a joke, they write another note telling the queen that Marco must marry their daughter at once.
The boy marries his princess, but now Marco is told by the king to go on a journey .. to hell! Even this plan backfires and eventually it is the king who is doomed to hell.
Humorous, silly, joyous, this is a fun book to read.
When a baby is born to a poor family, they note a crown like birthmark on his tiny butt. Believing this is a sign of great future. and that their son will marry a princess and become part of royalty, their hope is temporarily thwarted when the king learns of the birth. In disguise, he tells the parents he will raise the child and provide more advantages than they could afford.
Unfortunately, the king ensures that the baby boy is placed in a box and thrown in the deep water. The miller and his wife discover and open the box. Happy for a baby, they raise this positive, friendly fellow. Sixteen years later, the king once again discovers that baby, now boy, named Marco.
Another plan is in place to rid the king of this threat. The young man survives because the note written to the queen to dispose of this boy, is thrown away by his captors and, playing a joke, they write another note telling the queen that Marco must marry their daughter at once.
The boy marries his princess, but now Marco is told by the king to go on a journey .. to hell! Even this plan backfires and eventually it is the king who is doomed to hell.
Humorous, silly, joyous, this is a fun book to read.
March 17, 2022
Oh! Turns out this is one of my favorite of the lesser-known tales... what a pleasant surprise, as I chose it simply for the author. I think the text could have been better written, especially as it's Babbitt. But the pictures are absolutely fantastic - fresh & funny & bold, and they really help show the reader what's actually going on. My favorite character is, of course, the devil's grandmother, and Marcellino did an especially good job on her.
Interesting to note that the cover art isn't actually in the story, and the event depicted only occurred in the background. Apparently it was recognized as a great picture, even if it didn't fit as an illustration.
Babbitt did change enough minor details in this tale that if you're collecting a list of 'fractured' and 're-imagined' tales, do consider including this.
Interesting to note that the cover art isn't actually in the story, and the event depicted only occurred in the background. Apparently it was recognized as a great picture, even if it didn't fit as an illustration.
Babbitt did change enough minor details in this tale that if you're collecting a list of 'fractured' and 're-imagined' tales, do consider including this.
September 14, 2017
Ouch! Which is a Grimm's tale retold and I am obsessed with the Grimms Fairytales. The book is about a young man was considered "a nobody" who was born with a crown as a birthmark, destined to marry the princess. The king did everything in his power to make sure the young man doesn't marry the princess, when he finds out the young man married his daughter he made a deal with the young man that if he plucked "three golden hairs" from the devil he could marry the princess. He managed to get the three golden hairs, but the king was so focused on the treasure the young man received from the devil's grandmother that he down to the devil's home to get it. The king never came back, so the young man and the princess lived happily ever after. I really enjoyed this fairytale book, I would say it's perfect for ages 5-8.
April 1, 2018
I chose this book because it is a good story retold from a traditional tale. It is definitely a book that can keep students engaged and interested during the lesson. I think that there can be plenty of opportunities for group discussion after reading this book.
October 24, 2018
Clever!
January 26, 2019
What a hilarious surprise! This is a delightfully droll retelling of a Grimm story, with fantastic illustrations.
May 8, 2019
Liked the resolution of the story.
🤴 + 👸 + 😈 = 👍🏼
🤴 + 👸 + 😈 = 👍🏼
Read
October 16, 2019Challenged/Banned for dealing with Hell
December 3, 2019
Interesting retelling of a Grimm’s tale. Have not heard of the original. Witty and humorous end. Good book for having students connect events to be able to infer what will happen.
January 4, 2020
Clever and unpredictable tale with wonderful illustrations.
February 3, 2020
A funny take on an old tale
September 1, 2015
A funny title for an obscure story, Ouch! takes “The Devil and the Three Golden Hairs” from Grimm and gives it a touch of whimsy and charm. With its little-known original story (who needs yet another re-tooling of “Sleeping Beauty”?) and a deceptive cover that looks like it’s from “Jack and the Beanstalk”, Ouch! is both unknown and very familiar. The story also omits two of the dilemmas the boy has to unravel, shortening it and neatly tightening the drama.
Like many fairy tales, this is the story of a lowborn person winning his or her way through the world with luck, grit and cleverness. Marco has all of these qualities and is able to marry a princess, hide from the devil and trick a king.
The illustrations are realistic without being too detailed and there’s nothing to frighten small children. The devil looks like a plain-faced accountant with horns rather than the fearsome Lucifer of Biblical lore (and faintly ridiculous in his red longjohns) and the princess young Marco wins is merely pretty instead of ravishingly beautiful.
If you want your child to read a different Grimm märchen, one with a devil rather than fairies, this is an excellent start.
Like many fairy tales, this is the story of a lowborn person winning his or her way through the world with luck, grit and cleverness. Marco has all of these qualities and is able to marry a princess, hide from the devil and trick a king.
The illustrations are realistic without being too detailed and there’s nothing to frighten small children. The devil looks like a plain-faced accountant with horns rather than the fearsome Lucifer of Biblical lore (and faintly ridiculous in his red longjohns) and the princess young Marco wins is merely pretty instead of ravishingly beautiful.
If you want your child to read a different Grimm märchen, one with a devil rather than fairies, this is an excellent start.
March 4, 2015
Personal Reaction - I really like this book because of the colorful illustrations and contrasting facial expressions. The illustrator used many colors to indicate the character's movements and facial expressions. Especially, through their contrasting facial expressions, children can figure out each character's personality. For example, Marco always has bright colors on her face and clothes and smile. It indicates that he has positive personalities. However, the king has narrow eyes and wear dark clothes. It means he is a bad character and would behave badly.
Purposes-
Read aloud to first grader of elementary school for several purposes:
: Children would learn that people used to have different social statuses in the past through the miller couple and the royal family.
: This story can give a confidence to children by showing how Marco has overcome hardship and finally become a king.
: It teaches the importance of helping each other. After the ferryman helped Marco to cross the river, he could escape from him job.
Purposes-
Read aloud to first grader of elementary school for several purposes:
: Children would learn that people used to have different social statuses in the past through the miller couple and the royal family.
: This story can give a confidence to children by showing how Marco has overcome hardship and finally become a king.
: It teaches the importance of helping each other. After the ferryman helped Marco to cross the river, he could escape from him job.
November 26, 2015
Ouch! by Natalie Babbit was interesting. She's the author of The Terrible Things, which is an allegory of the Holocaust (for those who aren't sure what an allegory is, it's a story that can be interpreted as having hidden meanings - usually historical, philosophical, ethical, or political. Babbit told her story using animals to illustrate an adult concept of the Holocaust. Animals are supposedly thought to be less frightening to kids and this approach might ease a child into a concept like the Holocaust) and Ouch! reminded me of that book. However, instead of the Holocaust, it was based on old folklore. A baby boy is born, it's prophesied that he will marry a princess, the king gets wind of it and wants that baby boy destroyed (he's a commoner). That plan is foiled and 18 years later before he marries the princess, he has to take a trip to see the devil to get a golden hair for the king. I actually enjoyed it.
February 8, 2014
This is a retelling of one of Grimm's fairytales. It is about a common boy who is born with a birthmark in the shape of a crown which foreshadows his future of marrying a princess. Once the king becomes aware of this he is relentless in stopping this from happening. He tries to thwart destiny with three obstacles. He tries throwing the boy as an infant into a river but he is rescued; he tries sending the boy to the queen with a letter for him to be killed and lastly he sends the boy to the devil in hopes that he doesn't return. The king also asks the boy to return from hell with 3 golden hairs from the devil's head. The boy exhibits qualities of kindness, patience and perseverance. The king represents evil. The small common boy defeats the evil king. The king's evil ultimately leads to his demise and the boy does marry the princess and they live happily ever after.
January 7, 2023
This is a cute retelling of one of Grimm's tales. It is about a boy born with a birth mark that foretells he will be a king.
The current king tries to get rid of him three times. The final is the quest to get three of the devil's golden hairs. He is helped by the ferryman, and the devil's own Grandmother, who not only protects him, but gets him the hairs and a treasure chest.
He then tricks the King into getting trapped as the ferryman. All the others live happily every after. A fantastic novelette.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
The current king tries to get rid of him three times. The final is the quest to get three of the devil's golden hairs. He is helped by the ferryman, and the devil's own Grandmother, who not only protects him, but gets him the hairs and a treasure chest.
He then tricks the King into getting trapped as the ferryman. All the others live happily every after. A fantastic novelette.
(First written as Journal Reading Notes in 1999.)
July 16, 2016
Best part: The devil lays down with his head in his grandmother's lap.
The illustrations are fun. My daughter was surprised that the devil wasn't red. I like that he appeared to be just a man...with horns, of course.
I remember this story, perhaps from an episode of The Storyteller. I enjoyed both versions.
The illustrations are fun. My daughter was surprised that the devil wasn't red. I like that he appeared to be just a man...with horns, of course.
I remember this story, perhaps from an episode of The Storyteller. I enjoyed both versions.
February 15, 2015
So, why does the Devil's grandmother help Marco? Does he charm her? Does she just want to fuck her with her grandson? I know it's a fairytale, but usually there is a reason the Magic Creature helps the Human. A favor is usually involved, or the Human passes some test the Magical Creature sets up. Here Marco just shows up and bam, grandma's willing to help.
July 13, 2015
I know I've read the original version (not in German, however) of this fairy tale. I don't remember the crown birthmark or the box in the river. I do remember the ferryman, the grandmother, and the three gold hairs.
This story is delightful, but it does not quite pack the punch of the original. The illustrations are also delightful.
This story is delightful, but it does not quite pack the punch of the original. The illustrations are also delightful.
December 28, 2009
This is usually described as a less well-known tale from the Grimm ones, but I remember liking it from the days I spent poring over the Andrew Lang Fairy Books. I very much like the retelling, and the pictures are comic.
November 23, 2010
A retelling of a Grimm story I'm not familiar with. Great pictures, goes well with the text, very engaging. Interesting portrayal of Hell/devil--not really that scary, and apparently the devil lives with his grandmother.
April 15, 2015
A weak retelling. It both omits aspects and slightly alters details for the worse. Pictures are OK, but not outstanding. Try The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs instead.
May 7, 2016
Retelling of a lesser known tale from Grimm. Nicely illustrated by Fred Marcellino.
Age Range: 1 and up
Lexile Measure: AD510L
Age Range: 1 and up
Lexile Measure: AD510L
March 5, 2008
Fun story. We had to switch some words around to make it toddler friendly.
January 30, 2009
I had never heard this Tale from Grimm before. I quite enjoyed it!
May 13, 2009
I love when those Grimms bring the actual devil into their stories.
July 27, 2011
The devil has a grandmother! And she's got little horns! Amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews