Why hello there!
Welcome back to the site that enjoys the company of fairies, princesses, goblins, ghouls, and everything in between, so long as they’re bookish….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
That’s right. I make no discrimination nor judgment against a read based on general observations without reading about it first, hence the fact that I can be found at home in many a genre. Take today’s for example. Some readers outside of a certain age range might balk at my choice, but you’re sorely missing out if you include yourself in that group. Ladies and gents, boys and girls, allow me to take you on a read that blends childhood memories with art and activity you didn’t see coming. Today’s book of choice is….
Once Upon a Time in Rhyme with Seek-and-Find Pictures:
Adapted by
Grace Maccarone
Illustrated by
Gail de Marcken
9780312679583
Feiwel & Friends
Over TEN different princess tales are included in this beautiful collection, each one having a two to four page spread dedicated to sharing the story but also to involving readers in a new way. As the title implies, it has a search-and-find aspect to the book, and if you’re thinking oh that’s just silly….THINK AGAIN. The intricacy employed in creating each picture, the attention to detail, the dedication to keeping the heart of the story visible on the page, can all be seen with a cursory glance…but once you delve into the pages further, the talent used to create each masterpiece can truly be seen. My favorites? Well, if I REALLY have to choose…
Twelve Dancing Princesses – The way the images glow right off the page makes you feel like you’re right there in the middle of that magical night of dance.
Sleeping Beauty – The sheer range of colors used to create these particular scenes boggles the mind while enchanting the eye once again.
Cinderella – You’ve heard of artists that put action into their work? I don’t just mean paint a scene in motion, but it actually can be believed to BE in motion? The scene depicted here with Cinderella racing from the ball, the ball itself still going on, and all the others scampering here and there illustrates that talent wonderfully.
Beauty and the Beast – Well, it IS Beauty and the Beast…I mean for the library alone it had to be listed!
In summary, this is one of those books intended for the younger set, but amazingly fun for anyone well beyond those targeted years. While both age groups will enjoy the stories, the illustrations take on another layer of amazement when seen through grown up eyes. Definitely a great addition to anyone’s library, personal or otherwise, looking to enjoy those classic stories of old in a new way.
ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their ever growing catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. This title was released the end of 2013 via Feiwel & Friends, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.
Until next time…happy reading!
