THE WITCHES OF VENICE

by Beni Montresor ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1989

According to the publisher, this will be the basis of a ballet ""with choreography by Mikhail Baryshnikov, music by Philip Glass, and sets and costumes by Beni Montresor."" What they fail to mention anywhere in the book or in their publicity is that it was first published in 1963 in a handsome b&w edition, the text set dramatically in red. Here, color has been added to the luminous, theatrical illustrations; other changes are minor. The story, which has the stylized elegance of a ballet plot, involves the rejected son of royal parents who is confined to a garden but escapes to rescue a plant gift held captive by the witches. This dreamlike tale features witches, monsters, and heroism, but also sophisticated ironies and turns of phrase that probably destine it to be more appreciated by adults than by children.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1989

Categories: CHILDREN'S