"Klutzy Kantor"

Kantor is a Pegasus who is very klutzy. No matter what he does, he trips and falls over everything. This bothers him terribly. When he unsuccessfully tries to grab an apple from a tree, an old crone named Agra laughs at him. Upset, he admits he wishes he were not so klutzy. She tells him she can grant his wish if he can solve her riddle. Supplying him with her riddle, he thinks he answers it correctly, and jumps with happiness—only to trip and fall.

Agra again laughs and informs him that a leprechaun named Cobbledom McSweeney will grant his wish if Kantor can beat him in a battle of wits. Kantor gets help practicing riddles from his friends, rabbit, bear, and fox. They are happy when Kantor makes all the right guesses.

The night before he is to meet Cobbledom, Kantor has trouble sleeping. His dreams of flying cause him to fall, and when morning comes, he is in a daze. He flies through the sky in search of Cobbledom’s rainbow. Upon finding it, he crashes into the leprechaun, and they both fall down the rainbow and into the pot of gold.

Kantor challenges Cobbledom, who admits no one has ever defeated him. Confident he can win, Kantor eagerly awaits his riddle to solve. Cobbledom offers him three guesses, sure the Pegasus will fail. With Kantor’s first answer, he learns it is wrong. He becomes very nervous and does not want to use up his other two guesses. Taking his time and thinking hard, he tells Cobbledom his riddle is a trick.

Kantor tells Cobbledom there is no answer to the riddle. The leprechaun becomes very angry. His anger is all the proof Kantor needs to know that he is right. Joyfully, Kantor insists his wish be granted.

Ms. Kennedy’s book demonstrates she has a great deal of insight into how children think and feel. Her delightful tale will help to inspire youngsters to learn the benefit of practice, and to focus on their strengths.

Mr. Foster’s illustrations enhance the text with bright colors and whimsy.