The Dwarf Giant

Lobel, Anita

3.58

19 ratings by Goodreads

ISBN 10: 0823408523 ISBN 13: 9780823408528

Publisher: Holiday House, 1991

Prince Mainichi and Princess Ichinichi are visited by a rude dwarf, who inflicts upon them evil and dangerous games before revealing his true self

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author:

Anita Lobel's name is synonymous with the best in children's literature. She is the creator of such classics as Alison's Zinnia and Away from Home, and she received a Caldecott Honor for her illustrations in On Market Street. She is the creator of two books about her cat, Nini, One Lighthouse, One Moon (a New York Times Best Illustrated Book), and Nini Here and There. Her childhood memoir, No Pretty Pictures: A Child of War, was a finalist for the National Book Award. Anita Lobel lives in New York City.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Set in Japan, a deeply felt variant on a classic theme that more often ends in tragedy. Prince Mainichi and his beautiful princess, Ichinichi, are perfectly happy until the prince is mesmerized by a dwarf they have welcomed into their palace. The flute the dwarf plays becomes a drum, turning their dance into rampant destruction that extends from palace to garden while the princess begs her husband to ``Stop these evil games!'' The dwarf's enticements become more nightmarish; growing to giant size, he resembles a leering cabaret clown from 1930's Berlin. Ichinichi is chased away, but just as Mainichi is about to be overwhelmed by the now-terrifying dwarf's malice she returns, in disguise, to save him. Peace again reigns but--in an enigmatic conclusion--other visitors await outside the palace. Rich in color and complex designs reflecting the story's cycle from happiness to disorder and back to serenity, these illustrations mark a new departure for this fine illustrator, their allusive power reinforcing the Faustian subtext--which will be of most interest to adults. Meanwhile, for children, a beautifully illustrated tale about a man bewitched, brought back to himself by his wife's courage and ingenuity. (Picture book. 5+) -- Copyright �1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.