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Duffy and the Devil facts for kids

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Duffy and the Devil
CM duffy and devil.jpg
Front cover with Caldecott Medal seal
Author Harve Zemach
Illustrator Margot Zemach
Country United States
Genre Children's picture book
Publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication date
1973
ISBN 0-374-31887-5
OCLC 724018
398.2/09423/7
LC Class PZ8.1.Z38 Du3

Duffy and the Devil is a popular children's picture book published in 1973. It was written by Harve Zemach and illustrated by his wife, Margot Zemach.

This book is very special because it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1974 for its amazing illustrations. It was also a finalist for the National Book Award for Children's Literature that same year.

About "Duffy and the Devil"

"Duffy and the Devil" is a unique story based on an old Cornish tale. Cornwall is a county in the southwest of England, known for its rich history and folklore. Harve Zemach retold this traditional story, making it exciting for young readers.

What's the Story About?

The book tells the tale of a lazy girl named Duffy. She is not very good at spinning yarn, which was an important skill long ago. To avoid her chores, Duffy makes a deal with a mysterious stranger, who turns out to be the Devil! He promises to do her spinning for her, but there's a catch. If Duffy cannot guess his name after a certain time, she will have to go live with him. It's a fun and slightly spooky adventure about cleverness and consequences.

Who Made This Book?

The husband-and-wife team of Harve and Margot Zemach created "Duffy and the Devil."

  • Harve Zemach (born Harvey Fichstrom) was the author who retold the old Cornish folk tale. He was known for adapting traditional stories into engaging books for children.
  • Margot Zemach was the talented illustrator. Her unique drawings brought the characters and the setting of the story to life. Her artwork is what earned the book the Caldecott Medal.

Awards and Recognition

"Duffy and the Devil" received two major honors in the world of children's literature:

  • Caldecott Medal: This is one of the most important awards for children's books in the United States. It is given each year to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Margot Zemach won this medal for her beautiful illustrations in "Duffy and the Devil."
  • National Book Award for Children's Literature: This award recognizes outstanding books written for young people. "Duffy and the Devil" was a finalist, showing it was considered one of the best children's books published that year.

These awards show how much "Duffy and the Devil" was loved and respected by critics and readers alike. It remains a classic story enjoyed by many families today.

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