The Mapmaker's Daughter

Suchen, the daughter of a mapmaker, goes on a journey through an enchanted land to find the king's son

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Suchen, the heroine of this original fairy tale, would rather use maps than draw them. Her yearnings for adventure are realized when she must rescue the king's son, who has followed a map to the mysterious land of Turnings and is said to be under a witch's spell. Suchen's mission is accomplished; she defeats the witch, and the two travellers are magically led home with the aid of three transformed tokens her father had given her. She is well rewarded, but instead of marrying the prince, she plans to continue her journeys. While the intent of this tale is admirable, the execution is flawed. Both story and illustrations lack clarity, and the details of how Suchen vanquishes the witch will confuse children. The style of the illustrations, which are large and ornate, will be familiar to readers of Hunt's Illuminations (Bradbury, 1989). Unfortunately, they don't always match or enhance the text. On the second page, for example, the witch is pictured but not identified, while the text concentrates on Suchen. Readers will wonder who the witch is until near the end, when they'll recognize her green dress. Other pages suffer from similar problems. Still, those seeking tales of strong heroines may find The Mapmaker's Daughter a useful addition. --Leda Schubert, Vermont Department of Education, Montpelier
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this feminist revisionist fairy tale, a mapmaker's daughter who longs for adventure finally is granted her wish. The king's son has been captured by a witch, and she sets out to save him. In a neat twist on tradition, the ending finds Suchen--after handily rescuing the handsome prince--not marrying her quarry and living happily ever after, but rather embarking on a new adventure. Many of the customary elements of fairy tales are included here--a dangerous quest, three magic talismans, a witch's castle where hapless explorers are held prisoner--but Helldorfer's story is fresh and original, and in Suchen she has provided an engaging and dauntless heroine. Hunt's ( Illuminations ) intricate, bordered illustrations, set against an Arabian Nights backdrop, provide an exotic flavor. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.