The Enchanter's Spell: Five Famous Tales

Paintings by a distinguished Soviet artist complement an international collection of tales by Andersen, Pushkin, Macdonald, Cervantes, and Hoffman

Grade 3-8 This book is a delight for many reasons. Soviet artist Spirin has select ed classic folktales from five different countries as the vehicle for his enchant ing illustrations. In George MacDon ald's Little Daylight , a princess' beauty waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. Alexander Pushkin's version of Snow White replaces the seven dwarfs with seven handsome brothers. Both will be welcomed by storytellers, folk lorists, and those who enjoy reading aloud. Also included are The Nutcrack er , Miguel de Cervantes' The Beautiful Kitchen Maid , and Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes . Painting in a style reminiscent of Renaissance oils, Spirin provides handsome characters and amazing details that will delight readers of all ages. The portraits of the Mouse Queen's 22 relatives, attired in court dress as they devour the pork in tended for the Queen's sausages, will keep children fascinated for hours. Adding to the enchantment is the de sign of the book, which varies full-page illustration with borders, one-third cuts, and single characters against a white background. Intricate borders tie some illustrations or illustration and text together. While there are no notes on sources, the combination of folktale selection and outstanding illustration make this a good choice to round out folktale collections. Constance A. Mellon, Department of Library & In formation Studies, East Carolina Uni versity, Greenville, N.C.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Exquisite paintings by the Soviet artist of Once There Was a Tree decorate and expand the texts of George MacDonald's Little Daylight, Alexander Pushkin's The Princess and the Seven Brothers, E.T.A. Hoffman's The Nutcracker, Miguel de Cervantes's The Beautiful Kitchen Maid and Hans Christian Andersen's The Emperor's New Clothes. Spirin carves the space for his work out of the page, using for borders tall spindly trees, a winding path of wildflowers and the curling length of entwined snakes. There is not just one enchanted land for the tales, but five, for he creates a world faithful to the origin of each story. Each one is a miniature costume dramanot still portraits but robust paintings. A glittering collection, timeless and beautiful. All ages.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.