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Gr 6-9 A poignant prefatory remark sets the stage for this retelling of one of the Grimms' more pensive tales: "They say that when a man gives up hope, the devil walks at his side." A destitute soldier makes a bargain with the devil that guarantees him riches if he can abide by some strict conditions for seven yearshe must wear a smelly bearskin and he may not wash himself, cut his hair or nails, or prayand he forfeits his soul if he dies before fulfilling his obligati...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

In a somber tale of the devil more outlasted than outwitted, an ex-soldier accepts a hard bargain: he'll be rich for the rest of his life if, for seven years, he wears the skin of the bear he's just slain, without bathing, prayer, or explanation; but failure will mean eternal perdition. Schlitz narrates with clarity, grace, and sensitivity to the larger ideas her words suggest ("He had run away to war wh...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

An ex-soldier accepts a hard bargain: he'll be rich forever if, for seven years, he wears the skin of a bear; failure means et...Log In or Sign Up to Read More