Tug of War

This book was originally published in 1969 as "The Extraordinary Tug of War" written by Letta Schatz and illustrated by John Burningham. It is based on a folktale and was retold as such by Letta Schatz. The new edition is a dumbed down version with 16 pages less, not only is there a lot less text, there are also several pictures missing. The retelling is also bumpy in places due to cutting out whole junks of the story and illustration. My largest surprise was that the old edition has actually better color reproductions! They have much more depth and wider range of colors, for example what in the new edition looks like a page in shades of olive green is in the old edition a mixture of emerald greens to olives.Don't understand me wrong, I like the illustrations and the story but would not have bought the new version because it is so inferior to the original.

We bought this book for our 3 year old based on the pictures. To our surprise the first time we read it aloud, the book is filled with unsuitable language for children. The animals call each other names constantly such as "idiot", "twerp", "wimp" and so on. In addition, the story is based on deception, revenge and bullying so all in all there's nothing positive in it for a child. I'm not sure who is the intended audience for the book? The author dedicated it to his mother, so maybe he never intended it to be read by kids, just adults who like cartoon books?

Excellent condition; much appreciated the discounted price. Charming story and illustrations. It will make an excellent present (such is the condition).

Sorry but really do not like this book. The language I think is in appropriate. I have read it only once to my two sons however I am a ks1 teacher and would not read it to my class on y1's. Idiot, twit, silly, twitty to name a few are not words I find very nice. Very disappointed with John Burnigham as I love and treasure his other books