Book Description

Many years ago in Poland, there lived a rabbi who had a wife and three daughters. One day, the rabbi asks his children a powerful question: "How much do you love me?" His older daughters profess their love in gold and diamonds, but his youngest daughter, Mireleh, declares she loves her father the way meat loves salt. For this remark, she is banished from her father's home.

In this flavorful Jewish Cinderella tale, Mireleh's courageous journey is peppered with a perfect blend of magic and romance, leading to a reconciliation with her beloved father. Lavishly illustrated in Louise August's bold linocuts, The Way Meat Loves Salt will make a wonderful gift for the Jewish holidays.
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Reviews (5)

A Cindrella tale and a love test from the Jewish Tradition
"The Way Meat Loves Salt" is subtitled "A Cinderella Tale from the Jewish Tradition," but older readers will recognize a bit of Shakespeare's "King Lear" in the beginning of this story told by Nina Jaffe. The setting is many years ago in Poland where a rabbi one day asks his three daughters "How much do you love me?" Reyzeleh, the oldest daughter, replies, "I love you as much as diamonds." Khaveleh, the middle child, answers, " I love you as much as gold and silver." However, Mireleh, the youngest daughter, replies "I love you the way meat loves salt," at which point her father banishes her from the home since she has compared him to lowly salt. As to the meaning of Mireleh's comment, that is not yet explained and the rabbi, despite being a student of the Talmud who ponders questions long and hard, spends no time trying to figure out the meaning of his daughter's words.

As for Mireleh, she encounters an old man with shining eyes who gives him a small wooden stick. He sends her off to the home of Rabbi Yitskhok ben Levi, the renown scholar of Lublin, who lives with his wife and son, and explains that the stick is magic: tap in on the ground three times and anything Mireleh wishes for will appear. The young girl is taken into Rabbi Yitskhok's home as a beggar girl and allowed to stay in the attic. When the family goes to Cracow for a wedding, Mireleh longs to attend and uses the magic stick to come up with a dress. At this point we are into the familiar territory of the Cinderella story. But there is still the question of the meaning of Mireleh's words to her father and their reconciliation.

Jaffe notes that the Cinderella tale has been found in countless cultures around the world, with the earliest version being recorded in China in the 9th century. The Jewish version of the tale comes from the story "How Much Do You Love Me?" from the classic collection "Yiddish Folktales," and was apparently sent down in Poland in the 1920s. Jaffe acknowledges that the framing device of "the love test," appears in both Shakespeare and folktales from around the world as well. In Jaffe's hands this becomes a "vunder-mayse" (a wonder tale) of the sort her grandmother might have heard as a child.

"The Way Meat Loves Salt: A Cinderella Tale from the Jewish Tradition" is illustrated by Louise August, who worked with full-color oils on rice paper, providing a rather distinctive look quite compatible with the origins of this story. Teachers or parents will find this story a nice way of showing young readers how there are variations of a well-known theme to be found in literature. What I especially liked about this one is how the elements of a different story, "the love test," are combined in the telling of this particular tale. Consequently we not only have an example of comparative literature here but a look at a more complex form of such storytelling.

The Jewish Cinderella
This book is somewhat similar to the Cinderella that I know, but it has a different twist. It combines Cinderella and the Jewish culture. I will leave the rest for you, the reader, to find out what goes on the book.

A very interesting version of Cinderell
this is another interesting version of Cinderella, but it also plays off of Shakespeare's King Lear. Look for the reference, shakespeare buffs and I am sure that you will find it. I really think that this books opens up a non-western tale in a traditional way that children will understand.

salt =/ as money
Great cultural spin on "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach", and even a father's heart can be deceived by what his ears hear and his mind perceives.

cinderella rides again
Cinderella tales have been found from almost every land and culture. This Cinderella story is another treasure for those who enjoy fairy tales and studying cultural influence on them. ... Read more

Book Description

Spared by her would-be executioner, Snow White finds a home with seven kindly dwarfs, but the hateful queen who wants her dead will stop at nothing to be the most beautiful woman in the land. A poisoned apple seems to send Snow White to her death, but true love brings her back, and good once again prevails.

Paul Heins's graceful words and Trina Schart Hyman's expressive artwork create a dramatic retelling of this classic tale, filled with movement and passion that will enchant readers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Snow White by Josephine Poole & Angela Barrett--SUPERB!
The cover image stopped me in my tracks at the bookstore, and I bought multiple copies. The young woman at the checkout counter was mesmerized by the image as well. The illustrations inside equal or surpass the one on the cover.

The images are detailed but not fussy. They are highly evocative of German Romanticism -- very moody, dreamy, somewhat melancholy, with an emphasis on the grandeur of Nature. If you enjoy the illustrations of Maurice Sendak, Edward Gorey, Arthur Rackham, et al., you will like this book.

Like Barrett's artwork, Poole's text tells the classic tale soberly, including the queen's botched attempts to strangle Snow White with silken laces and prick her with a poison comb. There is also more mention of Snow White's mother and father than in many retellings. This version is certainly more in line with magical/mystical/matriarchal imagery than Disney's.

Some of the images -- e.g., drops of blood -- and the story itself may be too intense for very young readers. For me, this book is a contemporary gem and is worth seeking out.

Poole & Barrett edition of Snow White
Wonderful illustrations, of course, but also the story includes the incident with the poisoned comb (left out in many editions). A great book for parents looking to replace the Disney-fied version for their children.

If you like this, also check out the same author/illustrator team's collaboration on "Joan of Arc."

The illustrations are beautiful without being frou-frou, serious without being creepy. Highly recommended for ages 4-8.

A nice twist to the fairy tale
This is the well-known story of a princess whose evil stepmother tries to have her killed. The huntsmen could not go through with it and tells Snow White to run away. When she does she finds herself in the company of seven small men. They live in a house very happily until the queen finds that Snow White is not dead. She finds Snow White and tricks her into eating a poisoned apple. Snow White dies. She is awoken from her death by the kiss of a prince and they live happily ever after.
The reason I enjoyed this version of Snow White more than others that I have read was that is was not as much of a fairy tail like story and more of a darker approach to it. The seven dwarfs, for example, are not shown as happy little creatures that sing and dance all day long. They are merely shown as small, kind men. The illustrations in this book are so beautiful even though they are not the bright colors that would usually go along with this story.

Snow White
Parents looking for a good edition of "Snow White" need look no further than this one by Paul Heins and Trina Schart Hyman. One day a beautiful, yet proud and arrogant, queen stands before her magic mirror and asks: "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is most beautiful in the land?" Instead of replying as usual that she is the beautifulest, the mirror informs the queen that her stepdaughter, Snow White, has now surpassed her in beauty. Driven by envy and anger, the queen orders a hunter to take the girl into the woods to be killed. He decides to spare her life and presents the liver and lungs of a boar to the queen instead of Snow White's. Meanwhile Snow White takes shelter in the house of the seven dwarfs. The scene when the dwarfs return home is reminiscent of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" with the dwarfs asking "Who has taken some of my bread?", "Who has been using my little fork?", and discovering the girl asleep in one of the beds. They allow her to stay. When the queen discovers Snow White is still alive, she tries to get rid of her in a variety of ways: bodice laces that cut one's breath, a poisoned comb and finally a poisoned apple. The fairy tale obviously has a happy ending. There are two scenes in the tale that parents or children might find disturbing. One is when the queen cooks and eats the liver and lungs, thinking they are Snow White's. Second, at the end, when the wicked queen is made to dance in red hot shoes until she falls dead. Other than that the story is well told and the illustrations are magnificent---detailed with rich and vivid colors. I especially liked the one where the queen, disguised as a peddler, is tying Snow White's bodice laces. A wonderul story to add to your child's collection.

Hauntingly Beautiful! Something for everyone!
I read the story as a youngster and I never ever forgot this haunting retelling of the classic fairy tale. I am delighted that the book is back in print so my children will be able to enjoy it in the future. The illustrations are breathtaking! Don't pass this one up! ... Read more

Book Description

Sleeping Beauty's enchanted slumber has captivated readers' hearts for centuries. Now brought luminously to life by K. Y. Craft's lavish paintings, this new edition of a timeless favorite is sure to enchant readers both young and old. Fairy tale lovers have been eagerly awaiting Craft's next magical romance since the release of her Cinderella. With illustrations inspired by the magnificent style of Baroque painters, the sumptuous color and exquisite detail of this breathtaking interpretation make it a dream come true. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The most beautifully illustrated childrens' book ever
I have four children and a large collection of childrens' books, including some wonderfully illustrated classics. However, this book has the most beautiful illustrations I've ever seen. I am a fan of Kinuko Craft's other books, but this one truly oudoes them all. Sleeping Beauty is a wonderful treat for kids, and anyone who appreciates truly beautiful art. Its classic story line and amazing illustrations make it the best bedtime story book I've seen.

The exquisite oil and watercolor art of K. Y. Craft
The beginning of Sleeping Beauty reminds me of the classical myths of ancient Greece regarding prophecy: told that their daughter will prick her finger upon a spindle and die when she reaches the age of sixteen, the King and Queen order even spinning wheel in the land to be destroyed. In a classical myth trying to thwart a prophecy never works and sometimes, as in the case of Jocasta, can actually make things much worse. But in this fairy tale the Princess Aurora's fate has already been changed by the wish of the final fairy, so that she will not die, but rather sleep 100 years.

In this edition of "Sleeping Beuaty" author Mahlon F. Craft tries to embellish the familiar tale with some new touches: the King and Queen get to lay their beloved daughter to rest before they too fall asleep on their thrones; the princes who try to enter the barrier of brambles disappear, never to be seen again, rather than simply being unable to hack their way inside. However, the story is incidental in this case because of the exquisite illustrations of Kinuko Y. Craft. You will probably just forget to read the story the first time through this book because you will get totally enthralled looking at the accompanying art work.

There are nineteen illustrations done for "Sleeping Beauty," most of which are full pages or two-page spreads. The artwork for this book was prepared by using oil over watercolor on illustration board. These are what you would call finely detailed illustrations. I especially liked the way the soft gold of Aurora's hair is usually highlighted by the yellows and golds in her dress, as well as the way Craft plays with the light to give these pictures a sense of luminosity. The two-page spread of the prince awakening the Sleeping Beauty with a kiss looks like something from the Golden Age of Illustration in the first half of the century (like Howard Pyle, only better).

Beauty!
The five stars are for the artwork. Ms. Craft's work is brilliant and, as always, I find no fault with it. The style in this book reminds me of flemish tapestries, though some paintings seem to have a very strong Renaissance feel to them. Also noteworthy are the illuminated letters that introduce each page of text. They rival those of Medieval times. They employ a labyrinthine quality and I enjoyed gazing on these letters repeatedly, as I did the large paintings.

In addition to technical achivement with her lush details, Ms. Craft demonstrates a strong ability to tell a story with pictures in this volume. I very much admire this aspect to her work and I think she uses extraneous details wisely. Ms. Craft's details always enhance the narrative. They add something without giving the sense of simply being tacked into the works. For example, a mermaid child on the fountain goes through the enchantment with Beauty and leaves a little something to wonder about. This character is shown on a fountain in a painting in the opening where Beauty is playing a 12-stringed instrument. You wonder if the child is real or a statue. Later, you can the watery little thing sleeping peacefully inside the fountain when the prince arrives. I found this element to add a bit of mystery and a sense of old fashioned enchantment that has ancient, classical roots.

Another character that lives in the paintings is the German Shepard Dog that you can see clearly sleeping at Beauty's side. He's hardly noticeable, but he is depicted earlier, in a scene with the fairy. Evidently, this handsome dog is left behind to guard the princess. He's even seen in the last full page painting, adding a symbolic element of domesticity and safety, as he sits there and calmly gazes at the reader from his corner. I found him charmingly reminiscent of flemish Renaissance paintings.

I think that Mahlon Craft tried to do the same thing with his ancient frog. This frog swims with Beauty's mother, and to repay her for her songs, he fortells the birth of Beauty. I think I missed the frog's real meaning, if there was one. I found him distracting, creating a slow start for the book. The frog only seemed to be added in for the sake of stretching Mr. Kinuko's narrative, of giving the reader the prophecy in the space of a page, not a paragraph.
Another strange element that didn't seem to mesh tightly into the rest of Mr. Craft's narrative was the negligence of Beauty's parents on her 16th birthday. They leave her alone as they've gone out to buy her a very special gift. How does that make any sense? They are characterized as having feelings for their daughter and they had been warned that she would be afflicted on this day. How could they have been so callous to have left her? They learned their lesson about ignoring the 13th fairy right away, you'd think that they would take these things more seriously! This is the one place in Mahlon's story that I thought showed a weakness and could have been more thoroughly developed.

I have read published reviews of other collaborations done by the Crafts in which Mahlon Craft's writing was characterized as a bit bland and not matching his wife's work for artistic merit. I have agreed at least in part with that assesment until I collected this latest book and got past the strange, bumpy opening. In all fairness, I think that Mahlon's star is rising with the remainder of this text. The strange little frog and the neglect of the King and Queen aside, Mr. Craft creates a lovely narrative that sounds elegant when read aloud. His use of language is soft, gentle and evocative, at times an almost perfect match for the sleepy tapestry of paintings Ms. Craft provides.

I was most pleased with how Mr. Craft's story is a love story, and most of the versions of Sleeping Beauty that I have encountered don't exercise this emotion in the narrative. The other stories seem to focus almost exclusively on magic and retribution- the prince is merely an agent of change and offers little else to the narrative. In this book, however, there is an element of love that gives the story much of its meaning.

Only one prince, her soul mate, could awaken Beauty, for example. He isn't some fellow who comes along at the right time, he's special! His special quality is why he gets through the brambles: the other princes only "disappear" (and don't die in vain, as they do in other stories.) The value of being true to your heart, of waiting as long as necessary to choose the right love to live your life with is strongly affirmed. Mahlon's Beauty gazes on her prince with "tender glances" and informs him that, "These many long years only you have filled my dreams, for none other could awaken me from my spell. Now in love's sweet name at last our hearts will together be eternally bound."

This is sweet stuff, more poetic than others of Mr. Craft's I think, and where his cleverness shines most brightly.

In sum, I see two stories being told. One is in paint. It is enchanting, the brainchild of a true master who excels at her craft. The other story is told in the text. It is not bad, by any means, and is fairly pretty. It sounds pretty and makes sense most of the way through. It is the work of someone who has gotten better but is still outshone by others in his field and by the glorious paintings that they seem to have been written to support but not equal in beauty. A truly extraordinary book would be the one where the text matches the paintings, but with Kinuko Craft this may be too great a challenge for the children's book industry's wordsmiths. In my opinion, few modern works ever come close to happy marriage of beautiful text and beautiful pictures, as we see in the example of past masters, such as Howard Pyle. I do hope the Crafts keep up the effort- we are in need of some new timeless classics for this generation of readers and readers in the future.

Infinite Stars for This Treasure
I am sure it will come as no surprise that K.Y. Craft has created another breath-takingly beautiful picture book. This retelling of the story of Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora or Brair Rose by Mahlon F. Craft, the artist's husband, is romantic and magical, with courtly language and all the drama one expects from this marvelous old tale. It is a delightful read. The illustrations truly make the book the treasure that it is and include lovely illuminated text as well as full page and double page spreads throughout. Craft's characteristic eye for detail is everywhere evident as is her flair for decorative flora and fauna, costumes, jewelry and interiors. The angry 13th fairy, snubbed without an invitation to the princess's christening who curses the child is painted with a grand touch of maleficence while the 12th fairy whose magical gift saves the baby's life is uncanny and sparkly with a golden power that eminates from the illustrations. The landscapes have a marvelous Renaissance feel and are brooding and deep and magically enhance the story with a certain wildness. A beautiful Alsatian dog with a fairy collar of light around his neck is a secret guardian in several pictures and I suspect this dog may be a very familair friend to the author and illustrator. This book is truly flawless and is destined to become a beloved heirloom. Don't miss it.

Oh My...
This is beautiful! I have been a fan of Craft's fairy tales for quite some time, especially her version of "Cinderella," but this takes the cake. The fairies are one of my favorite parts. They have filmy wings and gossamer gowns but the bad fairy, well, she is neither gossamer nor filmy. If you have seen Craft's "Baba Yaga," Baba Yaga looks a lot like the evil fairy. Aurora is simply perfect. Her blonde curly hair, her perfect face, and her angelic disposition all comprise the ideal fairy tale princess. Craft's paintings demand a second glance, because new details can be found on each page. For example, the reader will see swans throughout the book in the castle's rooms. The retelling, which was written by Craft's husband, is a more extended version but remains with tradition. For example, the frog still tells the queen the good news, there are thirteen fairies and the princess sleeps for 100 years. This book is truly a work of art and should become THE "Sleeping Beauty" for both children's book collectors and fairy tale collectors. Happy Reading! ... Read more

Book Description

In this jewel-like version of a classic story, popular folklorist Shirley Climo tells the tale of Settareh, the Persian Cinderella. Magic enables Settareh to outsmart two jealous stepsisters and win the heart of a prince. But where most Cinderella stories end, poor Sattareh's troubles are only beginning! The unexpected plot twists will enchant readers as they rediscover the familiar tale in the lush setting of long-ago Persia. Shirley Climo's authentic details bring the story to life, and Robert Florczak's stunning paintings echo the vibrant colors and motifs of an ancient land.

01-02 TX Bluebonnet Award Masterlist

Reviews (4)

A Story of Enchantment
I loved this book. And better yet, my 5 year old daughter sat spell-bound, her face inches from the pages, as I read this to her. As I finished the last page, she said, "Let's read it again!" Especially wonderful if, like my daughter, your child is of Iranian heritage. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story magical.

Stunning
The Persian Cinderella is a welcome addition to this classic "rags to riches" tale. Most impressive are Florczak's paintings which absolutely leap off the page (contrary to Mr. March, there are no photographs in this book, Florczak's painings are simply so detailed and lifelike that they are occasionally mistaken for photography). I cannot recommend this book more highly.

A little bit of Scheherazade in Disney's Cinderella
What attracted me most to this book was the clever combination of pictures and paintings. Mr. Florczak seems to have combined Persian models and some photographs, then added his own magic touch to create such beutiful images that are feast for the eyes.

As an educator, I know that many people associate Cinderella with Walt Disney--not Brothers Grimm. Ms. Climo shows us the rags to riches of the same characters in different cultures. This one is particulrly fascinating because the story does not end as we are accustomed to presume.

Yes the girl gets to see her prince at the New Year party but as we know Scheherazade's stories are filled with twist and turns of events like the designs on a Persian carpet. Ms. Climo's art is to tell the story as a native. Here she is the Scheherazade. The Persian Cinderella is fun for those kids who already know the Disney's version. The story goes beyond the Ball.

I liked the Korean Cinderella too. Ms. Climo is as articulate as a Korean grandma and we are little kids too fascinated by the tale to care for a rice cake.

I think the Persian Cinderella is a wonderful read, and since it's produced so beautifully, it's a great gift for any kid ages 2 to 92.

A wonderful book for any child.
Lovely Iranian ancient story. A great edition to any child's collection ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Gentle Version--just what I was looking for!
This is the perfect version of the familiar tale if you're looking for a gentler version. I think it's a good way to familiarize the youngest children with the story without scaring them. The little animals under the flaps who try to warn Little Red Riding Hood are amusing also. The illustrations are rich in color and very appropriate.

A wonderful, stimulating, interactive book inspiring reading
My daughter (almost 2 years) has been hooked into reading by scratch and sniff books and lift the flap books.

I enjoy them with her...but I particularly love this book as it is humorous and appealing even to the adult reader...

My daughter loves seeing the sideline characters (underneath the flaps) who try to warn Little Red Riding Hood about the wolf...

I can't imagine why everyone doesn't give it five stars...

It's a wonderful way to spend loving and educational time with your baby.

A kinder, gentler Little Red Riding Hood
To our delight, our 17-month old daughter is not too young for this beautifully illustrated Lamaze title. She becomes completely absorbed in this quick read: she especially likes the little surprises behind the story-related flaps.We love the rich illustrations, rhyming text and the non-violent version of the story, where nobody gets eaten or hacked to death with an axe. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

It's hard to be green...
The Prince of the Pond: Otherwise Known As De Fawg Pin is a sweet, hilarious story for the young and the young-at-heart. I'm one of the latter, as I was almost hysterical with the giggles at the very silliness of a lisping frog. Although I do not care for amphibians at all, I found the illustrations excellent and learned a thing or two since they also have a slightly biology-lesson feel. The story also provided facts about frogs that will interest children.

The story is narrated by a female frog who befriends our hapless hero, Pin. The basic tale of The Frog Prince is maintained, but only as shell. The real story revolves around Pin's adaptation to his new world and the compromises of his human and frog selves.

Donna Jo Napoli did a wonderful job of creating just the right mood for each scene - light and carefree when the frogs are playing, a little menacing when the mean old bullfrog comes, and particularly sweet when Pin is determined to save all his hundreds of tadpole children. A bit of the fantastic, the scientific, and the winsome. Also charming is the sequel, Jimmy, the Pickpocket of the Palace.

What a beautiful story
My ten year old and I loved this book and could not stop reading it. I was touched by the metaphor for life, cold blooded frogs learn to love and be a family. How deeply Pin loved his wife and family. How patient Jade was with his speech difficulties with his giant frog tongue. What fun it was to learn about the life of the pond and frogs in a way that was incidental to the story. This story was a powerful package of life, love, and facts of pond life, and how making room in your heart for love leads to extraordinary events. The drawings were a wonderful preview of what might happen next.

Donna does better...
Now, this was not a terrible book, but it wasn't great eithier. It starts when Jade, a frog who tells the story, discovers a strange new frog. It's a prince who has been transformed by an old hag. We never learn why, so that bugged me. Jade calls the prince "Pin", for the prince cannot speak right with his new tongue, which can be annoying sometimes. I found the pictures to be a nice addition. Overall, a cute story that later veers away and becomes serious...which ruins the whole thing.

wonderful story
My husband and I have read this book several times to our children, starting over a year ago. The book disappeared for awhile but we had much excitement when it turned up last week. The kids are 4 and 5 years old and they have loved the story from the start. The five-year-old picks up on the emotional content of the story; the four-year-old loves the action scenes.

When reading it aloud, we stumble over the references to the "mating hole," but the children don't notice anything missing when we use the word "well" instead. Now that our daughter is reading, the gig may be up.

I love this book and am dismayed that Napoli's other books may be for an older audience.

Dissenting opinion
Unlike most of the other reviewers here, neither I nor my nine-year-old enjoyed this book. The premise is good, but the family-values morality is heavy-handed and the writing limps along. ... Read more

Book Description

Poor Adelita! Night and day she slaves in the kitchen, and still her stepmother forbids her to attend Javier's party. But with the help of the old servant Esperanza, she disguises herself in a beautiful rebozo, or shawl, and wins Javier's heart. The next day Javier spies the rebozo in Adelita's window, and soon they live muy felices por siempre-happily ever after!

Based on Cinderella, Adelita is a wonderfully original story with a spicy Mexican flavor. Incorporating simple Spanish words against a stunning backdrop of Mexican colors and designs, Tomie dePaola has created an instant classic that will delight his many fans. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Mexican Cinderella Story.....
Poor Adelita. Her mother died in childbirth, her adoring father soon remarried a mean and jealous woman with two awful daughters, and then he unfortunately die, too. Adelita was now all alone in the world, living with an unloving, cruel family. Soon, she was relegated to the position of servant and sent to live in the kitchen, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of her stepmother's and stepsisters' every want, wish, and need. One day an invitation arrived for a fiesta at Senor Gordillo's hacienda to celebrate the homecoming of his son, Javier..... Tomie dePaola takes the old and familiar Cinderella story, and gives it a clever and humorous, south of the border twist. This is a much more realistic retelling. There's no pumpkin coach, fairy godmother, or glass slipper, but the magic of the Cinderella theme shines through with charm and wit. Mr dePaola's lively text is heartwarming and engaging, and sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases. But it's his vibrant and expressive artwork that really make this picture book stand out and sparkle. Each page is a feast for the eyes, filled with warm colors, dazzling Mexican folk art designs, and marvelous eye-catching detail. Young and old alike, will want to linger and explore each illustration before turning the page. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Adelita is a wonderful addition to the collection of Cinderella stories. This is Tomie dePaola at his very best, and a must-have for all home libraries. ... Read more

Book Description

The evil Maleficent has cast a spell on the lovely Princess Aurora. Can three good fairies and a handsome prince rescue her? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hail the Princess Aurora!
This book goes over the basic parts of the story, the fairies, the princess, the prince, the evil dragon fairy, and the spinning wheel curse.Its very high quality and lacks nothing. ... Read more

Book Description

Cinderella's transformation from poor girl to princess never failsto captivate young ones, and this stellar retelling, exquisitely illustrated bySusan Jeffers, is a must for every library.When the original version of thisbook was published in 1985, Publishers Weekly called it "a treasure for all ages," and The New York Times declared, "Fairy-tale aficionados will be mesmerized." For this hardcover reissue, Susan Jeffers retouched her pen-and- ink and dye illustrations, making them even richer. Her brilliant artwork isshowcased in a new interior design featuring a fifth-color gold border. Embossedgold foil type on the jacket of this large-format picture book trumpets thearrival of the girl who went from rags to riches. ... Read more

Book Description

The complete retelling of favorite Disney movies in a true read-aloud style. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great addition to the Little Mermaid video!
What a great addition to our bookshelf! My 3 year old daughter loves the Little Mermaid video, but I try to limit her viewing time. This book is a top choice to fill in on those days we skip the videos.

This book includes all the major story elements and characters, a feature that is unavailable in the shorter versions I've seen. It also uses direct quotes from the video, which my daughter loves. The beautiful images from the movie are on each page, with short paragraphs, which keeps her engaged, and doesn't take nearly as long to read as you might think.

I only gave 4 stars because I think that with the vast amount of material included, this book is just a little dry. I'm not sure how engaging it would be as a stand-alone read, versus as an accessory to the movie.

For our purposes, though, this a great book, and we read it frequently. Money well spent!

true under the sea story
My kids love this story and so do I. It tells every important detail in a short description. Each page has beautiful pictures with only a few paragraphs so the kids get to turn the pages often. The language comes straight from the movie so that the story teller can use the character voices. This will become a favorite with your family too. ... Read more

Book Description

Tiny Thumbelina has been stolen away from her safe home byan ugly old toad. Battling the cold of winter and many unpleasantcreatures, she sets off on an adventure where she meets mice, moles,beautiful birds--and a handsome little king! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A book about a small person doing extrodinary things.
Thumbelina is not normal girl she is about the size of your thumb, but don't let her height mistake you she can do alot of things other people can't do. Like she can fit into small spaces that you can't. So if you like books that are about people doing extremely different things that you don't think that can do then this is the book right for you to read. This book will amaze your eyes with the colorful pictures inside, and with the amazing things Thumbelina can do.

A Beautiful Little Tale
Hans Christian Andersen's story of Thumbeline is so endearing that it's no wonder that so many authors have written their own versions of it and so many illustrators have had a go at making tiny Thumbeline come to life. This version, translated by Anthea Bell and illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is brimming with charm, rustic folk sensibilities, kindness and compassion spiked with just the right amount of perilous adventure to make it interesting, and a lovely magical feel. The story is well told in satisfyingly descriptive language. The illustrations are superb! Zwerger does a wonderful job with all of the animal characters that Thumbeline encounters and manages to infuse them with emotion and intelligence as well as country charm. Little red-haired Thumbeline is delicate and sweet in several lovely costumes with a peasant feel to them. You know the tale...a woman tells a witch that she wants a "tiny child" and the magic gives her exactly what she wishes for, a tiny child no bigger than her thumb. Thumbeline is born from the heart of a tulip. She's so beautiful and sweet that every small suitor in the neighborhood wants her hand in marriage, including a toad, a mole and a June beetle. They are not interested in the fact that she does not want to marry them! She gets help from other wee folk in the woodland community and makes a good friend when she saves the life of a swallow. The story ends happily for Thumbeline. It may be desirable to point out to your young ones that not every unattached female needs to find a husband, especially very young ones like Thumbeline, and that kidnapping and force are not true ways to get a girl to marry you! Children are smart enough to know that but it's still a good idea to talk over the odd concepts that a child may be thinking about after you read this story. I love this old-fashioned story and this re-telling adds beautifully to its charm and therefore justifies its conception.

A Little Gem
The familiar Hans Christian Andersen story of Thumbelina has received the royal treatment from Susan Jeffers. Her large, lovely pictures make this seem like you are stepping into the story for the first time. Thumbelina is so dainty and sweet that it's no wonder the toad wishes to marry her but poor Thumbelina has a harrowing time escaping from her warty suitor. Share a trumpet vine blossom with Thumbelina, a pair of hummingbirds and a fat bumble bee or take a ride with her on the back of a gallant swallow. This whole story is enchanting from start to finish and the pictures are a delight!

Superb illustrations radiate beauty and grace
Artist Arlene Graston has created for THUMBELINA breathtakingly beautiful illustrations full of gentle elegance and poignant sensitivity. The first illustration depicting the birth of Thumbelina within the petals of a flower, positively glows with radiance. Each succeeding painting makes the venerable fairy tale come alive with a new freshness and beauty. Graston's exquisite detail and gorgeous use of color, coupled with her magical vision, majestically complements the text. This book is a favorite of my youngest child. We have read and reread it many times, happily carried away by its charm and magic. I whole- heartedly recomend this lovely book for everyone, for your children and for the child within us all. I am grateful to Ms. Graston for creating a work which connects us with the healing and transporting joy of beauty.

One of the most beautiful children's books I've seen
I had to write this after reading the bizarre review from Kirkus that Amazon posted. I bought the book after it got a starred review in Publisher's Week and was absolutely bowled over. Arlene Graston paints with the kind of enchantment, mastery, and love as the great turn-of-the-century illustrators. Every parent should consider buying this book for their children to show them what beauty is all about. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wegman at his best
What a beautiful book! I got it for my sister, an avid collector and dog owner. Those dogs really show alot of love for their "dad". What an enjoyable book for all ages. highly recomended!

our whole family loves it
My wife and I were Wegman fans before he did children's books (and before we had children), and now our two daughters are fans as well, particularly of "Cinderella." The language and photography are both beautiful and funny.

Nearly the best Wegman book ever.....
I love Weimaraners - I have an adorable 9 year old named Fiori and he looks just like the ones in William Wegman's pictures. The only thing that I do not relish about the book is the evidence of Wegman's stylish move toward putting people hands onto some of the dogs. It's odd and a bit disconcerting. However, the text is charming and many of the photos are sweet (the sleeping pooch in bed with the fairy dog-mother over her). It is a fun book to read to kids and, though it perpetuates the entire Cinderella myth among girls, one can always explain that sweet princes only come along for Weimaraners!!

very disappointing but the dogs are still cute
I was hoping that this book would be on a par with Wegman's clever Weimaraner photos such as we see on calendars. It was not. The costumes were overpowering and I could barely discern the sad Weimaraner faces amid all the pomp and frippery. On a positive note, the puppies hitched to the pumpkin were adorable. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A Cindrella Story
It was like being in a fairy tale story. I could just imagine me seeing Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murry dancing at the halloween dance. And her working at the diner and getting her life back on track after what her evil step-family did to her. It was a wonderful story and I can't wait to see the movie tomorrow when it comes out. I love all Hilary Duff's albums and movies/shows she does. ... Read more

Book Description

Are some of the world's most talented children's book authors essentially children themselves? In this engaging series of essays, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alison Lurie considers this theory, exploring children's classics from many eras and relating them to the authors who wrote them, including Little Women author Louisa May Alcott and Wizard of Oz author Frank Baum, as well as Dr. Seuss and Salman Rushdie. Analyzing these and many others, Lurie shows how these gifted writers have used children's literature to transfigure sorrow, nostalgia, and the struggles of their own experiences. ... Read more

Book Description

Once every generation or so, a great wolf called the Blood Prince, who not only devours bodies but also steals souls, stalks the northern forests of Russia. Rumor has it that he has set his sights on the forgettable little village of Miersk. The wolf"s evil runs so deep that past survivors refuse to believe in him, and so it is up to the newest generation, two children named Pasha and Lisette, to save the village. But how can a young boy and girl stop such a beast? This mesmerizing tale draws on Russian folk stories about Vasilissa the Beautiful, Baba Yaga, and the Firebird and is filled with quirky details and memorable characters that could spring only from the imagination of Gregory Maguire. This new edition includes a prologue and is illustrated with striking cut-paper silhouettes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Pasha and Lisette ask Baba Yaga to help destroy Blood Prince
This wonderful novel written by Gregory Miguire is sure to enchant. The basic idea is for Pasha and Lisette, two village kids, to destroy the Blood Prince as it reeks havoc in nearby villages and on trains. This story is magical, but some people may not enjoy all of the dialogue. I really like the characters because you get to know the story behind them. I also think it is good that the author made it a girl and boy team. Pasha is a very brave boy ,yet he knows he can't do too much thanks to his short tempered grandfather. Lisette always thinks about her mother even though she has to be the one in her house who cooks,cleans, and takes care of her baby brother while her father does his best to earn money for his family. I really enjoyed the story. I know if you read it you'll like it too. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Trina Schart Hyman used to pretend she was Little Red Riding Hood when she was a little girl, wearing a red cape sewn by her mother. Her love for this character permeates her award-winning retelling of the traditional Grimm story, even as Grandma and Little Red get eaten alive by the wolf and then saved by the kindly woodsman (illustrated carefully with a minimum of violence). Little Red learns her lessons--to keep her promises, to stay on the path, to mind her manners, and to avoid talking to big, bad wolves--lessons parents still try to teach their children many generations after the Brothers Grimm first recorded this story.

For over 20 years, readers young and old have loved Hyman's illustrations of children's books, fairy tales, and folk tales--most notably the Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel, and The Fortune Tellers by Lloyd Alexander. Her illustrations for Saint George and the Dragon, by Margaret Hodges, won the Caldecott Medal. (Ages 3 to 6) ... Read more

Reviews (12)

What a treasure of a book!
I am so glad I stumbled on to this version of "Little Red Riding Hood" and that my son and I will be able to enjoy it together for years to come. The illustrations are lush and evocative; the geraniums bloom off the pages and the calico-inspired borders make you want to cover up with a cozy quilt. The retelling is superb, as well, casting Little Red as a spunky yet polite heroine. Every child's personal library needs this story, and this is the best version of this timeless tale I've ever seen.

Not a PC retelling, thank goodness!
Trina Hyman's lushly illustrated version of Grimm's tale of a young girl and her grandmother beset by a wickedly ravenous wolf is about as good as this tale gets. Fortunately for the reader, this Red Riding Hood avoids the politically correct fate of so many other modern versions of similar works.

Done with an Arts & Crafts flair, the illustrations are detailed and worthy of the Caldecott Honor award this book received. The text is relegated to a small box on every other page, giving plenty of space to enjoy the drawings.

I don't have the original Grimm text, so I cannot comment on how true to their text this work is. However, I can say that the wolf's snacking on Grandma and Red, plus his gruesome demise, is here in all its glory. Don't tell anyone from PETA.

If you are the kind of parent that loves classic tales wondrously retold, and doesn't want to sugarcoat life, then by all means get this one. It is lovely to look at and has a good moral base--just the way they used to make 'em.

This is the true story!
It is so difficult to find these tales told with the original plot, and not made so happy and safe that the point gets lost. And there are important lessons from these tales. Does EVERY story have to end up with everyone living happily ever after? What is that teaching? My three year old loves the danger, gets the message and is not unduly frightened. The illustrations are charming and rich and spark her imagination. The wolf looks like a wolf and Little Red Riding Hood looks like a little girl, instead of saturday morning cartoons. Trina Hyman is a magnificant artist. This is the way I remember the story instead of so many of the modern versions when the wolf ends up being changed into a repentant and compliant friend - that is not how life is and this version is honest without indulging in gross violence.

A perfect Example
Grimms had a superb storyline but this version of Red Riding Hood by Trina Schart Hyman is a Perfect Example for the kids to follow in their day to day life. Red Riding Hood is a sweet innocent girl who in her childishness, does not obey her mom nor keeps her promise. She lacks in her manners but is a friendly, social girl who loves animals and nature. This version has minimum violence illustration. It sets a perfect example to the child with moral values to be good, obedient, careful, keep to promises and the sort. Good for classrooms or parental teach. A child centered tale, the book offers fun and entertaining with a moral in a renewed way and is a good collection of these series of stories in the library. A good Buy and gift for kids.

Not a great version for younger children
As a teacher, I would not recommend reading this version of Little Red Riding Hood to younger children because I don't think it's suitable for a preschooler, kindergarten, or for a first grader to be listening to the ending: The hunter "raised his gun to shoot but then wondered... so he took out his knife and quickly killed the wolf while he lay sleeping. Then he carefully cut open the wolf's stomach. At the first cut, he saw the red velvet cloak, and after a few more slashes a little girl jumped out."
Also the way this author mentions the deaths: "He ran straight to the bed, and without even saying a good-morning, he ate up the poor old grandmother in one gulp.

"As the wolf said this, he sprang out of bed and ate up poor Little Red Riding Hood!"
I believe the book may be a little more suitable for older kids and it has excellent illustrations. I do recommend reading "Little Red Riding Hood" by Della Rowland. This book has two tales in one. The second tale is called "The Wolf's Tale", where the wolf tells his version of how Little Red Riding Hood actually occured. Della makes the story humorous and also allows you to give children a different perspective of the wolf being a much nicer and funnier character. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Visually wonderful book
This children's book is visually stunning and takes some of the scary out of skeletons. The story is great too. It is a wonderful version of Cinderella that I think most children will love.

Beauty is in the eye's of the beholder ...
... and this book very charmingly shows how this is true! What "The Nightmare Before Christmas" showed us about what different things we value, this clever book allows us to use our imagination as well. Cinderella's stepmother, Skreetch, and her two ghastly sisters are total delights as is the fresh artwork. Definitely a keeper!

Beautiful
The illustration is both detailed and beautiful, and is accompanied by an enchanting poem telling the classic Cinderella story. I am 19 years old and absolutely had to get it as soon as I had finished reading it.

Unique
I bought this book because of the illustrations. I have many versions of Cinderella and felt this would be unique to my collection. The illustrations by David Catrow are five star, and in my opinion carry this book. The prose however, by Robert San Souci begin in iambic verse, or a complex rhyme scheme according to Booklist, then the rhyme is stopped abruptly and the story continues in prose. This format is used throughout the book, and because of it the story does not flow. As a reader, I quickly lost interest in the story the author was trying to tell, and began looking at the illustrations instead. Without the illustrations from David Catrow, this version of Cinderella could not stand on its own. Mr. San Souci had a great idea, if only the writing had met the imagination.

The BEST
This is better the the REAL Cinderella story, with a tad of "BONES". ... Read more

Book Description

And that story about Maleficent putting a dreadful curse on baby Aurora? Maleficent insists that as CEO of E.V.I.L. enterprises, she was only trying to offer the little princess an internship at her textile mill. Maleficent knew the little princess wouldn't get by on the gifts of beauty and song. A good work ethic-now, that's priceless! Who's telling the truth?You decide! ... Read more

Book Description

Blessed Mary rewards Teresa's good deeds with a shining gold star. Later she punishes Teresa's unkind stepsisters, Isabel and Inez, with hideous horns and donkey's ears that they try to hide under heavy veils! But will Teresa outshine her stepsisters at the festival? Robert D. San Souci retells this popular folktale in a lilting narrative that includes all the magic of the beloved Cinderella story and traditional elements from Spanish tales. Luminous watercolors by Sergio Martinez accentuate the beauty and goodness that radiate from Little Gold Star.

A Selection of the Junior Library Guild

A Selection of Nest Literary Classics

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Book
Little Gold Star offers a wonderful blend of story and illustrations from San Souci and Martinez. Little Gold Star is a Spanish American fairy tale similar to Cinderella. However, the role of fairy godmother is filled by Blessed Mary, showing the traditional Catholic influence in this culture. San Souci is always wonderful with words, but Martinez gives the story a serene beauty with his illustrations. The book has a peaceful feeling with its subdued tones. The reader knows the story will end happily and enjoys the journey to the end all the same. I highly recommend this book. ... Read more