THE MAGIC WELL

by Maida Silverman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1989

A new story that blends elements of the Scottish tale of Tamlin and Wilhelm Grimm's Dear Mili in a contemporary situation: Janet's mother leaves her alone while she goes to work in the morning; later in the day, as they are gathering berries together, the tired mother falls asleep and Janet is lured into the Fairy Queen's realm, down a well. There, Janet must stay until she finds a way for her mother to set her free--by holding her fast through a series of shape changes until Janet at last becomes herself again. While not outstanding, the story is smoothly told. The detailed, delicately limned illustrations have an old-fashioned appeal with romantic fairy-tale settings and Greenaway-like figures. Mother and Fairy Queen, apparently unintentionally, have the same face.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S