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Well, I get what the merits are. Let me say upfront that I liked the illustration style (it was very charming and folksy), and I get -- believe me, I get that retelling Grimm stories can be a challenge.
But in terms of reading this to my five year old daughter, I think it was an exercise in frustration for both of us. I could not stop myself from editorializing -- for example, the first king's daughter haughtily declares she will not marry the Hans the Hedgehog boy, which is presented as a bratt ...more
But in terms of reading this to my five year old daughter, I think it was an exercise in frustration for both of us. I could not stop myself from editorializing -- for example, the first king's daughter haughtily declares she will not marry the Hans the Hedgehog boy, which is presented as a bratt ...more
A very unusual, uncommon story, but it is based on a tale of the Brothers Grimm. A farmer and his wife want a child but are not blessed with one until after the farmer says, "I want a son even if he is half a hedgehog." This curse comes true and the son is a misfit from the beginning. Eventually he runs away to play his fiddle in the forest with his pigs. Then a few kings get lost in the forest and he shows them the way out. They promise to give Hans the first thing they see when they enter thei
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Excellent Author's Note in the back detailing origin of the story and what changes Kate Coombs made in her retelling and why. I like the way Coombs' text flows. John Nickle's art really worked well for the story although the people are kind of odd looking.
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Oooh! Thank you, Chandra, for bringing this to my attention! HEDGEHOGS!!!! *squeal!* ;-)
well-written retelling of a Grimm story, but i found the illustrations a bit lacking.
Re-telling of a Grimm fairy tale. Interesting.
Dec 08, 2012
Laurie
marked it as to-read
