Module 14: 12 Impossible Things Before Breakfast

Summary
12 Impossible Things Before Breakfast is a collection of twelve short stories.  The stories all have fantastical elements, (hence the 'impossible things' in the title), with some being more far-fetched than others.  Stories range from a twist on Alice in Wonderland to grieving vampires to a group of thrill-seeking teenagers. 

Yolen, J. (1997). Twelve impossible things before breakfast: Stories. San Diego: Harcourt Brace. My impressions
This was not my favorite book.  I'm not a big fan of short stories in general, and unfortunately 12 Impossible Things didn't change my opinion.  I find short stories frustrating because, due to their length, you get only a glimpse of a full story.  There is no time for full character and plot development.  The fantasy theme of the stories was enjoyable in some stories, but slightly disturbing in others.  With that being said, the stories are well-written and I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy short stories and/or fantasy.

Reviews

Golodetz, V. (1997). Grades 5 & up: Fiction. School Library Journal, 43(12), 132.

This solid collection of short stories is a good introduction to various types of fantasy. Three of the 12 pieces are new and the rest have been published in other compilations. There is something here for everyone tales that are scary, gross, or fanciful. Some of the selections are reworkings of parts of children's classics, such as Alice in Wonderland (Alice learns how to be tough with the Jabberwock) and Peter Pan (Captain Hook is singing a new tune now that he is married to a modern-day feminist). "The Bridge's Complaint" puts a different spin on "The Three Billy Goats Gruff" by relating events from the bridge's point of view. The tales are set in different times--some in the past, some in the present, and some in the near or distant future. "Wilding" is a chilling futuristic look at New York City's Central Park, based on the gang violence that occurred there in the late 1980s. There's a story of a frightening sea monster, one about a fairy, and another about aliens; all will chill and delight the imagination.
 

Freeman, E. B., & Lehman, B. A. (1998). Children's books: Traditional tales. Reading Teacher, 52(3), 287.

Ever think that maybe Peter Pan was a chauvinistic tyrant? Maybe Alice wasn't tough enough to solve her own problems in Wonderland? Perhaps you would like to work as a "Max" in Central Park and keep an eye on the wild things. In Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast (O) Jane Yolen has created a delightfully bizarre collection of short stories with themes deeply rooted within well-known and beloved traditional stories and myths. The book's final section is a treat for readers who wish they could speak with the author as Yolen reflects on each story and provides insights that enrich each reading.

Suggestion for library use

For this book, the librarian could lead students in a discussion of what the common theme is in all twelve stories.  The title gives some hint of this, but students could expand on their ideas about the book's general theme.  They could also share ideas for additional stories with the same theme that could be added to the collection.