Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Zwerger, who has illustrated several Andersen tales as individual picture books, here presents an oversized storybook collection of eight, ranging from the readily familiar (``The Emperor's New Clothes''; ``The Princess and the Pea'') to others that will be new to many readers (``The Rose Tree Regiment''; ``The Jumpers''). She provides a few full-page pictures, at most, for each--just enough to sketch a character, suggest a scene and offer a jumping-off point for the reader's vision. Her lines are characteristically dainty, her palette strong and true--a combination reminiscent of the color plates that frequently embellished texts of yore. Noted translator Bell's retellings are literal and literary, with a leisurely, somewhat old-fashioned feeling created by long, lyrical sentences and descriptions and frequent exclamations and addresses to the reader; they are a fitting match for Zwerger's elegant style. The opening selection, ``The Sandman,'' is, unfortunately, the longest, most rambling and diffuse, and the most clearly European; but after this somewhat difficult beginning, the collection opens a rich world to the reader willing to invest time and imagination in these classic renditions. Ages 4-up. (Nov.)

Children's Literature

Eleven fairy tales charmingly illustrated and practically formatted allow for ceaseless reading at bedtime, nap time, whenever time. Not all the tales are well-known, which lends to the beauty of this book—there are some surprises. Read your favorite first, then discover the unusual, lesser known tales of this Danish teller of tales. Zwerger's watercolor and ink decorations enhance the text that Andersen would be proud of, as this is published in celebration of his 200th birthday. Reminiscent of early to mid 20th century illustrations, she captures the essence of each story, yet leaves enough to the imagination, inspiring creativity not always presented in a collection such as this. The choice of tales is a wise one; from the familiar "The Princess and the Pea," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "Thumbeline" to the not so familiar "The Jumpers," "The Sandman," and "The Rose Tree Regiment," as well as the somewhat familiar "The Swineherd," "The Tinderbox," and "The Little Match Girl." Readers are exposed to the best of this classic author, leaving them curious for more and thirsty for fairy tales. 2006 (orig. 1991), Minedition Book/Penguin, Ages 4 to 8.
—Elizabeth Young

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-- This handsome edition, containing eight stories, has a few old favorites and some lesser-known tales that can only be found in complete anthologies. Bell's translations are crisp, offering Andersen's wry observations and romantic prose in clean, precise English. The book is asethetically pleasing--long and narrow, with thick, creamy white pages; a fine typeface; and plenty of white space framing text and illustration. Zwerger's elegant pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are typically restrained in palette, utilizing mostly earthen tones. Her compositions are classically balanced, with uncluttered backgrounds, and realistic characters, costumed fancifully. Each story begins with a simple headpiece decoration and is accompanied by one or more plates. A lovely volume. --Karen K. Radtke, Milwaukee Public Library

Carolyn Phelan

This collection of eight tales includes relatively unknown stories, such as "The Rose Tree Regiment," along with such familiar favorites as "The Princess & the Pea." Bell's finesse in writing is well matched by Zwerger's delicate, understated approach in the illustrations, which are introspective rather than dramatic. Sophisticated in design, the book features fluid watercolors and wide-bordered text on tall, white pages. Children accustomed to picture book versions of the stories will find far fewer illustrations for the amount of text; for instance, only one picture appears within "The Emperor's New Clothes." A handsome edition.