The Talking Tree

A king's search for the fabulous Talking Tree leads him to risk his life trying to release an enchanted princess from a witch's spell

Grade 1-3-- This Italian folktale is a slightly abridged version of a story included in Augusta Baker's The Talking Tree and Other Stories (Lippincott, 1955; o.p.). Hearing of a magical talking tree, a king sets out to add it to his collection of rarities. Of course, the tree is really a princess under the spell of a wicked witch, and the king must release her. There is plenty to look at in this colorful retelling. The illustrations, in vivid hues and with detailed backgrounds, are strongly influenced by medieval illuminations. The princess tree with her leafy hair and graceful "limbs" is particularly eye-catching, and humorous notes abound. A few drafting oddities won't mar enjoyment of the rest (occasionally the illustrator seems to have omitted a leg or two where characters are standing close together). The text is crisp and well paced, without resorting to contrived archaisms or modern slang. Illustrations and text achieve a comfortable relationship, and the overall design of the book is pleasing. The story is not commonly known, but it contains enough familiar elements to strike an immediate chord with readers. Suitable either for individual enjoyment or storytime use, this is much like Barbara Walker's Teeny-Tiny and the Witch-Woman (Pantheon, 1975; o.p.), but is not as scary. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., Canada
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A princess in distress, a nasty witch, an evil ogre and his crafty daughter are the leading characters in this lively Italian folktale, retold and illustrated by a talented team. At the story's center is a king who collects rare objects who, learning of the existence of a Talking Tree, launches a search for the curiosity, which turns out to be a princess under a witch's spell. In order to free the lovely lady, the king must chop down the tree with the ogre's axe, kill the witch and marry the princess. The determined royal makes quick work of the first two requirements and is about to fulfill the third when he encounters an unexpected obstacle, which provides a gratifying 11th-hour twist. In this stylish retelling, the sophisticated vocabulary occasionally stretches beyond the comprehension of the younger end of the intended audience. In keeping with the story's fanciful atmosphere, the artist incorporates both classical and innovative elements in his striking pictures. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.