Duffy and the Devil

This is a version of an old Cornish play and folk tale, told with jovial wit and zaniness. The story is Rumpelstiltskin, with added Cornish flair, similar to "Punch and Judy" in humor. Unlike many popular folk tales, this story goes the extra mile in terms of developing characters. Highly recommended for students learning about folklore around the world and mid-late elementary students.

n this enchanting tale, a clever girl named Duffy encounters a mischievous devil who challenges her wits. Duffy must use her intelligence and bravery to outsmart the devil and escape his clutches. The story celebrates themes of cleverness and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity.

The story is an old one with many iterations. This version came from a 19th-century play traditionally performed in Cornwall during the Christmas season. I remember two versions of the story from my childhood: Rumpelstiltskin and Tom Tit Tot. The biggest difference in these tales is that Duffy is a young woman who, herself, claims to be able to spin, weave and knit (regular cloth), while in the other stories it was the girl’s father who boasted his daughter could spin straw into gold. Duffy’s devil states he will take HER away after three years; Rumpelstiltskin gives the girl only three days to guess his name, or he will take her newborn child. Minor quibbles. It’s a fairy tale that has appealed to children (and their parents) for show more centuries.

The book won the Caldecott medal. Margo Zemach’s illustrations are wonderfully detailed and help support the story. I found myself examining them for small details. I particularly loved the wedding feast illustration. show less

As a child, any mention or image of the devil scared me immensely. Still, I remember checking this book out several times because it was just that good.

This?á

This book could be used in a unit on fairy tales and their variance around the world (this being a Cornish version of Rumplestiltskin). The Zemachs' odd drawing style is amusing and encourages re-reading, and reminded me of William Steig's art.

This was kind of like Rumplestiltskin, except that Duffy annoyed me way more.

Caldecott Medal, 1974