The Fog Catcher's Daughter by Marianne McShane - Illustrated by Alan Marks

In this modern fairy tale by Marianne McShane, readers are whisked away to the coast of Ireland and to the mystical island of Lisnashee. Superstition and fear of the fairy folk have the villagers using charms and special herbs to deter bad luck. A powerful element used for protection against the supernatural is magic water collected from the fog at Lisnashee. Young Eily learns the skills of a fog catcher early as she braves the storm and her fears.

Watercolour paintings by Alan Marks sweep through the pages of this original tale as magically as the fog at Lisnashee. The wind, the mist and the waves feel cold and alive; illustrated with a sophisticated style often reserved for an older audience.

This compelling picture book recalls a simpler time when there was no dependency on technology, where most things were handmade and magic was the cause and cure for the unexplained. With a thoughtful, brave and quick-witted hero like Eily, readers will be guided through the fog to a satisfying end. Recommended for ages 5+.

More about Marianne McShane and Alan Marks.

Related post: Books by Horseback

 

Amazon 

Candlewick Press 2022

Hardcover 48p

11" x 9.75"

The Poisoned Apple: A Fractured Fairy Tale Written and Illustrated by Anne Lambelet

A sweet princess, an evil witch, a poisoned apple and a dastardly plan. Familiar fairy tale ingredients mixed in with a new sauce. Anne Lambelet's brew of suspense, humour, and stylized art bring this classic to modern times. Quick paced and straight to the action, readers will anticipate the witches moves as the story develops. The princess is given the poisoned apple and the witch watches from afar as her scheme spirals out of control and she gets a taste of her own medicine.

Short descriptions are provided for the nameless characters to draw more attention to their actions and the consequences thereof. This story assumes that readers already know the classic tale of 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' by the brothers Grimm but it's not a prerequisite. The illustrations are wonderfully detailed and playful especially when showing the witch collecting her rare ingredients. This new fairy tale ends with an old-fashioned moral. Recommended for ages 3+. 

Amazon

Page Street Kids 2020
Hardcover 32p

10.11" x 9.49"

J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan and Wendy illustrated by Mabel Lucie Attwell

Sir James Matthew Barrie (1860–1937) was a Scottish novelist and playwright best known for creating Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. This fictional character was first introduced in Barrie's adult novel, The Little White Bird in 1902 but did not become popular until it was written for children. Barrie wrote the play, Peter Pan in 1904 which was very well received, followed by three more books in the series. Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) illustrated two versions of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, a gorgeous gift numbered volume in 1906, arguably the most beautiful version to own but we'll save that for another post and an abridged version in 1910. When Wendy Grew Up in 1908 was a sequel to that and lastly, Peter and Wendy in 1909. All first editions were published by Hodder & Stoughton in the United Kingdom and Charles Scribner's Sons in the United States. These volumes are the first of countless subsequent printings.

Peter and Wendy, 1921 is an abridged version written for younger readers by May Byron (1861–1936) with illustrations by Mabel Lucie Attwell (1879–1964). Below are scans from that book. Originally, twelve coloured plates are included but newer printings might have only nine or six. There are also numerous line drawings between the text. Attwell uses watercolour and pen and ink for her paintings here. A current edition of this book is available at Amazon (affiliate) with an updated cover and illustrations by Attwell.

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"

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+.

Amazon
Chronicle Books 2002
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11.2"

The Adventures of Red Riding Hood Exhibit

Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf are on display at a new exhibit from the Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books. There are many vintage books and ephemera available for viewing as well as modern retellings of the famous fairy tale.  Below is a glimpse of what you can expect to see at this exhibit.

Located at the Toronto Public Library Lillian H. Smith branch.
Admission is free and runs until June 2, 2018.

Classic Fairy Tales by Scott Gustafson

Happy new year! It's been a while since my last post but I'm very excited to have discovered a new illustrator. His name is Scott Gustafson. He attended the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Columbia College Chicago and graduated with a degree in animation. Scott Gustafson illustrated several children's books such as The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore and Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. His work has earned him multiple awards which include the 2015 Spectrum Fantastic Art Grand Master Award.

More recently, he has illustrated three fairy tale books: Classic Fairy Tales, Classic Bedtime Stories and Classic Storybook Fables. As the titles suggests, these are all classic tales mainly from Grimm and Perrault. All three volumes are the same size and quite large too. I like these even more than Grimms' Fairy Tales by Don Daily. Every spread is richly illustrated. Below are some of my favourite illustrations from Classic Fairy Tales; this first volume is the best of the three because it has ten stories whereas the other two books only have eight stories. Also, Gustafson has painted a cover specifically for Classic Fairy Tales. I appreciate that over a duplicate of an internal illustration. The illustrations vary in size; some full page and some as a double page spread but all lush and opulent. The writing is an easy read with its very familiar storylines and large text make it a good choice for beginner readers. All three volumes are in reprint by Artisan Books. One of my copies is published by The Greenwich Workshop which has slightly thicker paper. All volumes come with a dust jacket.

Amazon
Artisan Books 2003
Hardcover 144p
10.8" x 12.2"