Staying close to its Andersen roots, Setterington spins a beautiful retelling of a well-loved story. A king lost in the forest is rescued by a witch who gives him her daughter in marriage; fearing his wife, he hides his 11 sons and one daughter, Elise. The new queen turns the boys into swans, but doesn’t see the daughter. Elise dreams the way of saving them by weaving each a shirt of stinging nettle; she must not speak while she is doing so. Although a king marries Elise, she continues her painful task and remains silent, even when she’s accused of witchcraft. It’s only when she’s brought to be burnt at the stake that she finishes most of the last shirt and saves the brothers. This remarkable tale of sibling devotion, misleading action, and witchy ways is richer for its scherenschnitt—exquisite, intricate paper silhouettes. These black-on-white paper cuts display astonishing detail, while allowing imagination free rein. Few single editions of this story are available, making this an even more significant offering. (Folktale. 6-10)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-88776-615-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Tundra Books
Review Posted Online: June 24, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2003
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
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