Once Upon a Wild Wood by Chris Riddell

Follow along with Little Green Rain Cape as she journeys through the wild wood in this delightful fairy tale mash-up. While on her way to Rapunzel's party, Green meets a slew of enchanting characters like a wolf, a troll and a kind old lady who offers her an apple. Unlike her counterpart Red Riding Hood, Green is much more prepared and aware but that's not enough to prevent her from getting into some sticky situations.

Multiple award-winning illustrator, author and cartoonist Chris Riddell adds fresh charm to classic characters. Lively, upbeat and wonderfully illustrated with humourous details filled with fairy tale references and an inviting die-cut cover makes this picture book a visual treat. With an open ending, readers are encouraged to continue the story and create their own adventures through the wild wood. Recommended for ages 4+.

Amazon
Macmillan Children's Books 2018
Hardcover 32p
12.1" x 9.4"

Grimms' Fairy Tales - The Classic Edition Illustrated by Don Daily

Fairy tales written by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm are among some of the most popular and retold stories for children. With numerous adaptations and illustrations from so many gifted artists, it was impossible to choose a favourite. Among several outstanding titles, I've chosen Grimms' Fairy Tales, The Classic Edition, illustrated by Don Daily (1939-2002) with text adapted by Elizabeth Encarnacion. I was really pleased to find this new edition by Applesauce Press as the previous one is out of print. Don Daily is an author and illustrator of children's books. His published works include classics such as: The Wind in the Willows, The Jungle Book and The Classic Treasury of Aesop's Fables. He also illustrated several Christmas books with The Velveteen Rabbit Or How Toys Become Real being my top choice for holiday themed books. Don Daily is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, California.

This collection contains five short stories: The Frog Prince, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, The Old Woman in the Forest and Brier Rose. The pacing is fast and each story takes about five minutes of reading time. The reading skill level is for grades 2-5. The illustrations are fantastic and truly deserved a new edition and reprinting. There are large illustrations on every page and the layout of the book is quite nice. The paper stock is thick, semi-gloss with an illusion of texture, which I prefer over the stark white. I predict this book will be borrowed often in libraries. This is a fine choice for anyone looking for an introduction to tales from the Brothers Grimm.

Amazon
Applesauce Press 2014
Hardcover 64p
10.5" x 11"