Notre-Dame de Paris by Victor Hugo - Illustrated by Nicolas Eustache Maurin

Victor Hugo's celebrated gothic novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre-Dame) was first published in Paris, 1831. This initial edition was illustrated with a single frontispiece in black. Three years later in 1834, François Bulla published a new edition with six colour lithographs commissioned to Nicolas Eustache Maurin. Capitalizing on the success and popularity of this novel, Bulla and Maurin collaborated once again in 1841 to produce eight additional lithographs. These striking illustrations set this volume apart from the many editions that soon followed; especially at a time when printing technology was just beginning to flourish. Below are twelve of those lithographs with two very similar ones omitted. Despite being almost two centuries old, these illustrations still hold up very well when compared to modern depictions.

The Best of Cinderella

Cinderella or The Little Glass Slipper, a fairy tale about an oppressed young woman who overcomes her dire circumstances through perseverance and kindness. Known internationally by many names: Rhodopis in Greece, Cenerentola in Italy, Ye Xian in China, and Tấm Cám in Vietnam are just a few examples. French author Charles Perrault (1628-1703) wrote his version, Cendrillon in 1697 well after all of these stories had been conceived but his tale has become the most popular and most widely retold in English. Even Aschenputtel by the Brothers Grimm in 1812 did not outshine it. The supernatural elements that Perrault included in his story, such as the fairy godmother and her powers of transformation might be the extra glitter that adds just a touch more excitement to this rags to riches fairy tale.

Rehashing old stories is not a new phenomenon and the story of Cinderella and its variants are published yearly; a testament to it being a continued financial success. Below are some favourites from our collection in no particular order. Listed are only standalone English versions. Stories belonging to a compilation are omitted from this list. The quality of writing, artwork, design, and binding are taken into consideration.

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This lovely book published by Disney Press in 2015 is a movie tie-in. Written in simple rhyme by Brittany Candau, the story is a shortened version of the Disney live action adaptation starry Lily James. You won't need to have watched the movie to enjoy the book; it holds its own as a stand-alone storybook. Digital illustrations by Cory Godbey offer a modern touch. It's luminous and romantic, adding more interaction between Ella and the prince. This slightly larger than average size book comes with a velvety dust jacket that feels nice to the touch. Also available as a chapter book for preteens. At the time this book came out, a digital copy of it was included with purchase for download through Disney Story Central. That online store has now retired and ebooks bought there are not retrievable. It's always better with a physical copy.

Time for Bed Miyuki by Roxane Marie Galliez - Illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh

As the sun begins to set, it is time for bed. Grandfather gently urges Miyuki to go to sleep but she is too busy doing everything else. A canopy must be made for the dragonfly queen, the vegetables have to be watered and the snails must be lead home. Follow along with Miyuki in this tender bedtime story celebrating family and nature as she attempts to evade sleep.

The illustrations created with watercolour and coloured pencil are a striking mix of textured patterns, bold colours and clean composition. The kimono, bento box, lucky cat (maneki-neko) and other Japanese cultural references and designs are showcased throughout.

The dialogue between grandfather and granddaughter is one of patience and simple enjoyment in each others company. A warm and calming read for little ones at bedtime with pictures that will create wonder leading to dreamland. First published in French as Au lit Miyuki by De La Martinière Groupe, Paris 2017. Recommended for ages 4+.

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Princeton Architectural Press 2018
Hardcover 26p
8.9" x 11.9"

The Pink Umbrella by Amélie Callot - Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout

What else can you do on rainy days except stay in bed and sleep all day? Adele does not like the rain one bit! Her lively spirit is dampened when it's cold, dark and gloomy outside. There is much more to do on a sunny day when friends and customers gather at her café, the Polka-Dot Apron;  the hub of their small coastal community. With the help of a caring friend, Adele learns to look on the bright side of things.

Using pastels and coloured pencils to create soft clean lines, Geneviève Godbout's illustrations are whimsical and charming with a slight vintage feel with those big dotted eyes. Originally published in French as Rose à petits pois,
this lighthearted story about the power of friendship and its influence on ones positive outlook on life, will inspire young readers to see the world through bright eyes. The Pink Umbrella is Amélie Callot's first book. Recommended for ages 4+.

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Tundra Books 2018
Hardcover 80p
9" x 11"

Sleeping Beauty by Mahlon F. Craft - Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft

Kinuko Y. Craft's picture book for Sleeping Beauty remains my top choice for this fairy tale based on Charles Perrault's La Belle au Bois Dormant in 1696. Retold by Mahlon F. Craft, this edition covers the first of two parts from Perrault's tale. The story is fast paced and a quick read, the action begins at the christening of Aurora where the uninvited fairy curses the baby princess to die on her 16th birthday. This curse is softened by one of the good fairies; instead of death, Aurora will sleep for one hundred years.

The illustrations are done in mixed media with Kinuko Y. Craft's signature style of extravagant costumes, luxuriously curly haired heroines, intricate details, and effective use of light and shadows. Just like her other illustrated books, the text is adorned with lovely floral patterned borders and drop caps that are all unique. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you'll like this too. Recommended for ages 5+.

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Chronicle Books 2002
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11.2"

Beauty and the Beast by Mahlon F. Craft - Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft

Having been a longtime fan of Kinuko Y. Craft’s amazing artwork, I’m very pleased to show you her latest picture book Beauty and the Beast. Loosely based on Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s version published in 1756, it is adapted by Mahlon F. Craft who also designed the book. How refreshing it is to read this story without the inclusions of enchanted talking objects but rather a storyline that is closer to the originals. In this adaptation, Beauty has two older sisters who are similar to Cinderella’s wicked step-sisters. There is also a fairy that appears throughout the story.

This book took ten years in the making and has sixteen stunning illustrations painted in oil with miniature sable brushes on gesso panels. Ms. Craft's paintings are so intricate, hidden images appear the longer you look at it. There are fairies and sprites woven into each tapestry-like painting. Her style is a combination of romanticism with a hint of orientalism. The figures are draped in gowns much like 18th century fashion. The beast looks like a mix of bear and leopard. Flourished capitals begin each new page and there is a good amount of text to read here; it should take about fifteen minutes to finish. There are three double page spreads that would have been better as fold-outs. This book is so lavishly illustrated, I like it even more than her previous picture books. The illustrations here also appear in the 2017 calendar. Recommended for ages 5+.

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HarperCollins 2017

Hardcover  32p /dust jacket

9.25" x 11.25"