Puss Reboots: Blog: May 2009: The Brave Little Toaster

The Brave Little Toaster: 05/16/09
The classic reprint in the April / May issue is "The Brave Little Toaster: A Bedtime Story for Small Appliances." This delightful novella was first printed in the August 1980 issue and later reprinted as a children's book in 1986. It was then adapted in 1987 as an animated film. The film I've seen an enjoyed many times.

The brave little toaster and his companions live (if that's the right word) in the summer cabin of the master. He hasn't visited them for nearly three years and the little toaster wants to see what's become of him. Thus begins the classic quest with a party of dissimilar but capable companions, expect this time it's being taken by a toaster, a lamp, a radio, an electric blanket and a vacuum cleaner.

As it turns out appliances aren't inanimate and they aren't silent. They can move and talk but they only do it when humans aren't present. To find the master they will have to bend this rule.

Now this novella has a different ending than the film. I haven't read the children's book so I don't know which ending it has. The film ends with a happy reunion with the long lost master. But in the novella the appliances learn that people's needs and priorities change. Rather than resign to their fate at the junkyard, though, the appliances learn the importance of making one's own destiny.

The novella is as charming as the film. Although it's long it's a quick read. It's not as sentimental but the humor is there. It was the perfect read for a hot spring afternoon.

Read other thoughts on the story at: John's Reading, The Barking Dog, The Adventures of a Fantasy Writer, Suite 101 and The Fix.