Iron John - Hardcover

Kimmel, Eric A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823410730 ISBN 13: 9780823410736

Publisher: Holiday House, 1994

Synopsis

When the king's son, Walter, frees Iron John from his cage, Iron John takes him into the forest to guard the magic spring--but Walter cannot protect the spring and must go into the world to meet his fate.

About this title

About the Author:

Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) illustrated numerous award-winning titles throughout her career, her favourite always remaining Little Red Riding Hood. She knew from the age of four that she would grow up to be an illustrator. Born in Philadelphia, she lived most of her life in Lyme, New Hampshire.

From School Library Journal:

Kindergarten-Grade 5-In this altered version of the well-known tale, Kimmel has combined elements of the original plot and the Cinderella story. He has omitted the introduction to the tale, which describes the wild man's capture, and begins the story as the young prince (named Walter) frees his father's prized possession and then, fearing his wrath, runs away with Iron John, who raises him. When Walter is grown, he is sent out into the world and volunteers to serve a king. After winning the hearts of the three princesses at a masked ball and beating all challenges at the king's tournament, the young man is wounded while slaying a band of robber knights who have carried off the princesses. Only the tears of his beloved (here a garden maid named Elsa) save him. He is never reunited with his parents, but returns to Iron John's kingdom. Hyman has illustrated the tale in full-and one-third page, muted oil paintings peopled with characters whose lovely faces are familiar echoes of many of her earlier folktale illustrations. Her forest is dark and eerie by night, a fern-filled grotto by day; her palace garden a charming composite of color; her wild man appropriately wizened and hoary. Alas, the captivating romanticism of the pictures cannot compensate for the lack of cohesiveness and requisite fairy-tale elements. In contrast, each part of the original Grimm tale contributes something to the whole. Iron Hans, illustrated by Marilee Heyer (Viking, 1993) is an authentic version of the story, dramatically illustrated.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0823410730
• ISBN 13: 9780823410736
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Hyman Trina Schart