PUSS IN BOOTS

The beloved tale by Charles Perrault is retold by Jerry Pinkney, and Jerry stays quite faithful to the original. This is the story of a poor miller's son (Benjamin) whose clever cat figures out a scheme for winning Benjamin all the riches he desires. Puss in Boots parades as page to the fictional Count of Carabas, bringing the king rabbits and other game supposedly from the count, then tricking the king into providing the count with gold and lordly clothing. Next Puss in Boots tricks a rich sorcerer into turning himself into a mouse. After Puss pounces on the mouse and eats him, the sorcerer's estate is free for the taking, and Benjamin truly does become a wealthy count, soon to be husband to the princess. Puss in Boots is named Prime Minister.