Our Books
A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears, by Jules Feiffer (1995)
Jules Feiffer is primarily known as a cartoonist and the author of delightful children's picture books like I Lost My Bear and Meanwhile. But he also brings his inventive flair and irreverent wit to the children's novel, A Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears. Yes, it's a cumbersome title - but that's just one of the things you'll have to find or figure out for yourself by entering its charming, unexpected pages. A fairy tale setting, where anything can happen - including hijinks that upset the author...and are guaranteed to amuse children. More importanly, Feiffer is able to write strong, literary sentences, and not afraid to indulge in rich, valuable, entertaining vocabulary. Best of all, along with the brisk, unexpected plot developments and irreverent prose, Feiffer manages to impart some true, gentle, long-lasting wisdom. His characters grow and learn - just as each family will when they are finally able to figure out what the title actually means. All that, and not to forget Feiffer's winsome, Pultizer Prize-winning line drawings, which enrich every chapter, and are sure to keep younger listeners engaged even when the story takes an occasional heady turn.
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There are nine supplementary resources for Jules Feiffer'sA Barrel of Laughs, A Vale of Tears:
- a sample letter home to parents
- a sample reading schedule
- Daily Trivia Questions (w/ Answer Key)
- a Trivia Contest (w/ Answer Key)
- a Trivia Bank
- a list of suggested activities
- suggested assembly ideas
As a participating member of One School, One Book you may have access to all of these documents. Here are some samples: