Hans Christian Andersen

Nov 5 2011

Thumbeline – Richard & Clara Winston (translators); Lizbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)

Thumbeline is a another book I picked up in my continuing hunt for Lizbeth Zwerger’s illustrations.  This particular version (1980 Morrow Eagle Library edition) featured a new translation (from the Danish) of the Hans Christian Andersen story to go along with the Zwerger illustrations (or vice versa I suppose).

The simple yet poignant tale follows Thumbeline (more popularly known as Thumbelina) as she goes through a series of rough encounters on her way to finding both a place to call home and a prince for a husband.

Born in flower to a woman who desperately wanted a child, Thumbeline was first stolen by a hideous toad who want her to be the bride for her son.  She was able to escape thanks to the help of a fish but shortly was captured by a June Bug.  The June Bug community, however, rejected her and eventually her captor gave into the peer pressure and released her.

Thumbeline escapes freezing to death thanks to the kindness of a old field mouse who takes her in as long as she takes care of the den and tells her entertaining stories. The catch is she wants to marry her off to her neighbor the mole. Thumbeline is not interested in marrying the mole but feels trapped not wanting to hurt the feelings of the field mouse who saved her.

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By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 0 • Tags: , , , , , , ,

May 30 2009

The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde & Lisbeth Zwerger (illustrator)

***I mentioned last week that I was thinking of a new series based on books I like to read my kids.  Tonight I was inspired enough to kick the series off.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy reading these books to my kids.***

the-selfish-giantWhat to do when your finances don’t allow for endless book buying?  Well, the library of course!  But in the case of books for children I don’t mean that in quite the way you might think.  One of the nicer neighborhoods near where we live has a nice library of course.  But they also have a wonderful children’s book section in their Friends of the Library book sale area.

I particularly enjoy older children’s books (older in terms of  publishing date not age of the children).  And so love hunting through the kids section looking for hidden gems.  That way I can surprise my kids with a new story to read and it only costs me a dollar or two.  I have found quite a few great books this way.

Which brings us to the subject of this post.  I found this great edition of Oscar Wilde’s children’s story The Selfish Giant.  It has wonderful watercolor illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger (I frequently look for books with nice or unique illustrations as my wife is an artist and loves these books as much as the kids).

I was not familiar with the story prior to bringing it home.  Having read it a few times now, it has moved into my favorites list. It is a wonderfully simple fairy tale about the dangers of cutting your self off from the world.  And it ends with, for me, a moving reminder of the power of the Christian faith.

But no matter what your faith background, or lack thereof, it really is a gem of a story about the soul killing nature of isolation, the magic of  children, the wonders of spring, and the powers of love. The happy tale ends on a deeply sad note but carries with it either the cycle of life or the promise of redemption depending on your perspective. (I will admit holding back tears on occasion.)

The story is widely available online in its entirety (here for example) so if you aren’t familiar with it read it – you will be glad you did.  Of course, to truly enjoy it, IMO, you need the wonderful illustrations offered by this particular edition. The delicate water colors match the tone and feel of the story perfectly in my mind.  We have also read Hans Christian Anderson’s The Swineherd with her illustrations and they are equally well done. She really is an incredible artist.

For our family a book like this is a wonderful edition to the library.  Not just because of the joy it provides as a bed time story, but because it is a both a parable for young and old – and a message we all need to hear – and a work of art.  And sharing that art together makes it all the more special.

Do you have books like this in your family?  Did you read this story when you were younger? I would love to hear your thoughts.

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 2 • Tags: , , , , , ,