Children's Stories by James Thurber
Many Moons and The 13 Clocks Entertain All Ages
James Thurber, best known for his writings for The New Yorker and the short story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” wrote wonderful children’s stories that speak well to adults and children alike.
Two that are in the style of fairy tales are Many Moons and The 13 Clocks. Readers should have a dictionary handy while reading. Some of the words Thurber chose may be out of usage in today's vernacular but are very appropriate for the context of the stories.
Many Moons
Many Moons has a King, Princess, Court Jester and other members of the Court. When Princess Lenore takes to her bed after a “surfeit” (one to look up) of raspberry tortes, the King is desperate to make her feel better. He offers to get her anything her heart desires. The only problem is that Princess Lenore wants the moon.
The King calls for his Royal Scientist, Wizard, Mathematician and becomes increasingly enraged when none of his “wise” men can help him. The clever Jester comes up with an plan and gets help unwittingly from Princess Lenore herself.
This leads to more problems, requests for help, anger and resolution. Throughout the story, Thurber shows how sometimes adults sometimes can miss the point and cleverness prevails.
Originally published in 1943, Many Moons is a timeless tale. The quirky illustrations by Louis Slobodkin add to the humor and earned him the Caldecott Medal in 1944.
The 13 Clocks
Once again set in a castle, it tells the story of the mean old Duke. Because he wanted to freeze time, the Duke has stopped all 13 clocks in the castle. Along with the frozen timepieces, the Duke’s hands are always cold. He wears gloves adorned with jewels.
The only warmth in the castle is that of his lovely niece Princess Saralinda. Many a suitor come calling for her hand in marriage, but the Duke is greedy. He devises impossible tasks for each man in order to gain the Duke’s favor. The competitors are set up to fail, and the outcome always leads to death.
When a brave and friendly minstrel appears in the town near the castle, he purposely sings songs to insult the Duke and gets himself arrested. Once in the custody of the Duke, his identity is revealed as Prince Zorn of Zorna who has come to win over the beautiful Saralinda.
The Duke gives Prince Zorn an impossible task Little does he know, the prince has help from a castle spy, the Golux. Mostly a help, but sometimes a hinderance, the Golux is determined to give Prince Zorn as much assistance as possible.
Amazingly, Thurber tells the story almost entirely in rhyme. He deftly uses this technique to move the story along and provide humor. If one is looking for a similarity, Monty Python and Holy Grail is a close one. Marc Simont’s detailed illustrations add a medieval touch.
Although parts of the the story may be more advanced for some younger audiences, it has enough action to keep them interested. It is a perfect book to be read aloud with the whole family listening.
Thurber’s Legacy
Thurber died in 1961, but his contribution to American writing and humor lives on. The Thurber House is a museum dedicated to his life. Located in Columbus, Ohio, it is a former residence of the Thurber family and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. It sponsors author readings, creative writing classes and tours of the home.
Many Moons by James Thurber, illustrated by Louis Slobodkin
Publisher: Harcourt Brace & Co., 1971
ISBN: 0156569809
The 13 Clocks by James Thurber, illustrated by Marc Simont
Publisher: New York Review Children’s Collection, 2008
ISBN: 1590172752
Cover image from The Thirteen Clocks
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