THUMBELINE

by Hans Christian Andersen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 13, 1980

This is a very fine translation of the complete story--but welcome as it would be in an Andersen collection, it is also overly long for a picture book and overly detailed for a picture-book audience. Full-page, full-color illustrations appear at alternate openings--technically proficient, Rackhamish pictures that deal, not unsuccessfully, in effects. But far from adding anything to the story, they merely represent milestones in it: the toad gazing at the sleeping Thumbeline, the June bug carrying her away, the field mouse taking her in from the cold, etc. She is passive and expressionless--when the swallow departs in the spring, we see her silhouetted against a void, waving. Susan Jeffers' Thumbelina (p. 209, J-51) utilizes a briefer, if less distinguished text; and whatever its artistic problems, re-imagines the story. And for a pretty, literal version, the Adrienne Adams' standby is still eminently serviceable.

Pub Date: Aug. 13, 1980

ISBN: 0735822360

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1980

Categories: CHILDREN'S