by Elsa Beskow ; illustrated by Elsa Beskow ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 1, 2014
It’s possible that readers accustomed to more stimulating entertainment won’t enjoy slowing down, but simpler souls will...
A picture-book classic translated from the Swedish.
First published over a century ago, Beskow’s tale of the little, little old woman highlights changing tastes in picture-book styles more than anything. Resembling early Tasha Tudor crossed with Carl Larsson and a bit of Beatrix Potter, this story eschews sophisticated storyline and complex visuals. A "little, little old woman" lives in a "little, little cottage" with a “little, little cat” and little, little furniture. She also has a "little, little cow"—well, readers get the idea. The woman milks the cow, the cat drinks the milk, and the woman banishes the cat from the house. The uncomplicated illustrations, enclosed within a circular border, are on the recto, while the simple text is placed on the verso. A few spot illustrations also decorate the text page. While the presentation may seem sedate and even boring to modern eyes used to clever storylines and dramatic visuals, the overall effect is the opposite. Sure, nothing much happens, but the languid pace and bucolic illustrations harken back to a rose-colored–glasses time and exude charm and simplicity. Besides, the illustrations are brimming with attractive Swedish style: Red geraniums bloom on white-curtained windowsills, and rustic blue-painted furniture beckons.
It’s possible that readers accustomed to more stimulating entertainment won’t enjoy slowing down, but simpler souls will most likely breathe a contented sigh. (Picture book. 2-5)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-7825-0094-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Floris
Review Posted Online: Sept. 30, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2014
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by Chloe Perkins ; illustrated by Sandra Equihua ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 13, 2016
A nice but not requisite purchase.
A retelling of the classic fairy tale in board-book format and with a Mexican setting.
Though simplified for a younger audience, the text still relates the well-known tale: mean-spirited stepmother, spoiled stepsisters, overworked Cinderella, fairy godmother, glass slipper, charming prince, and, of course, happily-ever-after. What gives this book its flavor is the artwork. Within its Mexican setting, the characters are olive-skinned and dark-haired. Cultural references abound, as when a messenger comes carrying a banner announcing a “FIESTA” in beautiful papel picado. Cinderella is the picture of beauty, with her hair up in ribbons and flowers and her typically Mexican many-layered white dress. The companion volume, Snow White, set in Japan and illustrated by Misa Saburi, follows the same format. The simplified text tells the story of the beautiful princess sent to the forest by her wicked stepmother to be “done away with,” the dwarves that take her in, and, eventually, the happily-ever-after ending. Here too, what gives the book its flavor is the artwork. The characters wear traditional clothing, and the dwarves’ house has the requisite shoji screens, tatami mats and cherry blossoms in the garden. The puzzling question is, why the board-book presentation? Though the text is simplified, it’s still beyond the board-book audience, and the illustrations deserve full-size books.
A nice but not requisite purchase. (Board book/fairy tale. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7915-8
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Little Simon/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2017
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by Kobi Yamada ; illustrated by Gabriella Barouch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 15, 2019
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves
A young child explores the unlimited potential inherent in all humans.
“Have you ever wondered why you are here?” asks the second-person narration. There is no one like you. Maybe you’re here to make a difference with your uniqueness; maybe you will speak for those who can’t or use your gifts to shine a light into the darkness. The no-frills, unrhymed narrative encourages readers to follow their hearts and tap into their limitless potential to be anything and do anything. The precisely inked and colored artwork plays with perspective from the first double-page spread, in which the child contemplates a mountain (or maybe an iceberg) in their hands. Later, they stand on a ladder to place white spots on tall, red mushrooms. The oversized flora and fauna seem to symbolize the presumptively insurmountable, reinforcing the book’s message that anything is possible. This quiet read, with its sophisticated central question, encourages children to reach for their untapped potential while reminding them it won’t be easy—they will make messes and mistakes—but the magic within can help overcome falls and failures. It’s unlikely that members of the intended audience have begun to wonder about their life’s purpose, but this life-affirming mood piece has honorable intentions. The child, accompanied by an adorable piglet and sporting overalls and a bird-beaked cap made of leaves, presents white.
More gift book than storybook, this is a meaningful addition to nursery bookshelves . (Picture book. 2-8)Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-946873-75-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Compendium
Review Posted Online: May 21, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2019
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