About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is fascinated by the idea of secret powers or when they are grappling with the concept of fairness and the consequences of mistakes. It serves as a classic gateway for children who feel small in a world of big rules, showing them how individual strengths can be harnessed to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The story follows five identical brothers who each possess a unique, supernatural ability: swallowing the sea, an iron neck, legs that can stretch, the ability to survive fire, and holding one's breath forever. While the narrative begins with a tragic accident involving a local boy, it quickly shifts into a clever tall tale about family loyalty and outsmarting authority. This 1938 classic uses rhythmic, repetitive language that is perfect for the 4 to 8 age range. It emphasizes that everyone has something special to contribute and that when a family stands together, they are invincible. It is a whimsical, slightly dark folktale that rewards the clever underdog and provides a sense of justice through extraordinary means.
