The Talking Eggs

The Talking Eggs

Written by Robert D. San Souci

Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

Genre: Folklore

Awards:

Coretta Scott King Honor Illustrator (1990) Caldecott Honor

Suggested Grade Levels:

2-5th; I would suggest this book for students in grades 2-5 because of the length of the text, the various characters that must be followed for full comprehension, and the mature nature of parts of the plot.

Summary:

This folktale tells the story of two sisters named Rose and Blanche. The beginning of the tale introduces Rose as selfish, lazy, and cruel, acting as if the world revolved around her. Blanche, however, was described as kind, sweet, and obedient, doing all the cleaning and serving in the house. Their mother treated Blanche terribly, beating her and scolding her when she tarried. One day, Blanche meets an older woman to takes her to her home to be her servant. After being beaten by her mother, Blanche accepts the offer in tears and serves the woman with complete submission. The woman rewards Blanche by letting her keep four talking eggs, that bring her great rewards (including diamonds and gold). The climax of the tale occurs when Blanche returns home to show her mother and sister the great things she received so that they will love her and cherish her. However, the mother and sister become jealous, and Rose is sent out in search of more rewards. Does Rose receive the same rewards as Blanche? What happens to Blanche and her relationship with her family? Read The Talking Eggs to find out!

How The Talking Eggs could be used in the classroom:

For fifth grade students, this folktale would lend itself great to comparing and contrasting the differences among translations and versions of similar tales. The students could read other books and variations of The Talking Eggs from different cultures to see which elements are the same across all versions. After reading this story, students can utilize their writing skills to make predictions about what might have happened to each character fifteen years later. Students may also use their predictions to write an additional chapter or sequel to the folktale. Younger grade level students may write a short paragraph about how they would feel if they were Blanche in the beginning of the story. At the end of the story, students can write or draw what they would hope to be in the eggs if they were in Blanche’s shoes.

ESOL strategies/applications/accommodations:

Students can compare and contrast the two sisters (Rose and Blanche) using a Venn diagram to understand the characters. Students may act out or read aloud this folktale using Readers’ Theater to engage and help with following the story. Readers Theater would provide concrete, more focused reading of the story so ESOL students can track the plot.

Suggested Read Aloud Pages:

If time permits, I would read the entire book for students because it would be difficult to separate specific portions. The entire tale should be told so students see the full effect and can grasp the meaning and themes. Doing think-alouds, while allowing students to make predictions, as the text is read would be beneficial for students’ understanding and give a purpose for listening.

My Opinion of The Talking Eggs:

Because I was not used to a folktale like this one, this story was interesting and unpredictable. The themes of relationships, obedience, respect, and magic make the tale even more riveting keeping the audience engaged until the end. The illustrations are unique and enhance the quality of the tale by conveying the moods that are described in the text through colors and lines.