Battle of the Books: P. J. Lynch/Sonja Danowski Illustrate The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

Every year around this time, I like to take out some holiday classics to read over again. One favourite of mine is The Gift of the Magi, a short story by American writer William Sydney Porter (1862-1910) under the pen name O. Henry. First published in 1905, it has been enjoyed and retold for over a century. Selected here are two picture books that I simply adore and while they may not be the most recent, I feel they illustrate this love story in the best way. I cannot decide which I prefer so here goes my first Battle of the Books. In this post category, two books telling the same story will be weighed against each other. Since the text is identical in both books, this part is omitted in the comparison. Things considered are: visual appeal, illustrative impact, quality of print and paper, size and number of illustrations. The check mark (✔) denotes my preference.

Book A	Book B
Illustrated by Sonja Danowski	Illustrated by P. J. Lynch
Amazon	Amazon
minedition 2013	Candlewick Press 2008
8.6" x 13"	7.8" x 9.4"

A: The cover is very beautiful with this close-up image of Della moping around on the couch staring at the pennies she has saved. I love the detail on the couch and Della's hair. The title above the image is easily noticeable.
B: This cover image is from the ending showing the couple in a loving embrace with a packaged gift on the table. The title is a bit subdued with the script type and little contrast to the background. There is a lot of emotion conveyed on their faces which works better with the story. Tie

A: Opening the book displays a lovely art nouveau flower pattern on the endpapers. This rose image is used adjacent each picture; growing taller with every turn of the page. The layout of the book is more structured with text on the left side and picture on the right side of the spread. Script type is used for the text and white space used for overall framing. The illustrations use a muted palette that resemble colourized old photographs; the effect is vintage and elegant. ✔
B: This book begins with a view from Della's window. The poor neighbourhood is shown by the laundry line drying outside. Della is counting her pennies and looking distraught. The apartment and surroundings are better displayed. Warm browns and golden hues are used and a varied layout consisting of mostly full page images.

A: Della slumps on a chair while her hair is being examined for purchase. Both figures are wonderfully drawn and the detailed background is superb. ✔
B: Mme. Sofronie looks much colder here with her pale face and stern look. There is movement and interesting figure placement but the background is a little bare.

A: Della stares longingly through a store window and again great detailing in the background; this time with the buildings and added figures but Della looks a bit too fashionable for her budget and the illustration is similar to a previous one.
B: Della's joy shows through here by her expression and the busy streets filled with shoppers adds to the excitement of finding Jim's present. ✔

A: Della is pictured with her newly cut hair and while I like seeing her use that old fashioned curling iron, the shape of her head seems off. It could be that I too miss seeing Della with her luxurious locks.
B: Della looks at her new hairstyle in the mirror trying to like it. The hopefulness in her eyes says volumes. ✔

A: The rest of the illustrations follow a similar pattern with great detailing however, some of the figures can look a bit stiff and posed; sometimes looking right at the viewer. This style may not work as well for a story that is written in the third person. Near the end, the couple is shown in an embrace and Della looking slightly happier.
B: There are more illustrations showing Della and Jim's interaction here. The exchange of gifts, the surprise looks and the emotional realization, all add significant support to the story. The facial expressions are lively and real with figures that carry natural body language. The book ends with a view of the cold winter night with the happy couple shown through a small lit window. ✔

A: Tall format with twelve large illustrations on medium weight stock. Spot varnish for the title with decorative title page and end papers. A stylish and elegant looking book. My favourite illustration is the one selected for the cover.
B: Wide format with twenty illustrations of varying sizes. Embossed title on cover and medium weight stock. I don't have a favourite illustration for this book, they all carry the same weight but I do enjoy the city scenes; it adds to the coldness of the environment, making Della and Jim's love burn a little bit brighter and warmer. ✔ 
Do you agree with these comparisons?

You're Snug With Me by Chitra Soundar - Illustrated by Poonam Mistry

Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry have done it again! In their second collaboration, readers are transported from the tropical jungles in You're Safe With Me, to the cold arctic tundra with this complementary piece. Sheltered from the elements, Mama Bear and her two cubs share a cozy den while waiting for spring to return. Hidden from the world through the long winter, the cubs fill with curiosity for the land they have yet to explore. Mama Bear replies with encouraging words to comfort and nurture their independence. As the cubs discover the wonders of their home and themselves, Mama Bear fosters knowledge and respect for the earth and all of its inhabitants: "We're never alone in this world....We should only ever take what we need".

The illustrations are spectacular and undeniably "Poonam Mistry". Filled to the brim and dense with structurally precise shapes and swirls. There is little to no white space in the composition and yet it does not appear cluttered. Various arctic animals and sea life are presented as is the frozen landscape, all in a patterned design reminiscent of beadwork. The abundance of crisp snowflakes, ice crystals and stars add sparkle and opulence to an already luxurious display. The art is created with ink on paper and completed digitally. The book size and production is similar to You're Safe With Me with the addition of the silver foiling for the snowflakes on the cover; it's quite eye catching. Words, shapes, and colours, all work in perfect unison in this inspiring and cautionary tale for the future caretakers of our planet. Recommended for ages 4+.

Amazon

Lantana Publishing 2018
Hardcover 32p
9.75" x 9.6"

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+.

Amazon
Tundra Books 2018
Hardcover 80p
9" x 11"

The Most Wonderful Thing in the World by Vivian French - Illustrated by Angela Barrett

While browsing the bookstore recently, the cover of The Most Wonderful Thing in the World really intrigued me with its circus-like image and its title. Some might say not to judge a book by its cover but I almost always do! For picture books it's a key factor in deciding whether I like the style of illustration and how interesting the contents may be. This book by Vivian French and illustrated by Angela Barrett came home with me.

A king and queen searches for a suitable husband for their daughter Princess Lucia. Only the young man who can show them the most wonderful thing in the world will be the right choice. But what can be shown or given to someone who has everything? Not pyramids, airships or even a piece of frozen sky will do.

This is one of the more romantic fairy tales that show love blossoming over time throughout the book and doesn't just happen at first sight. The many scenes of Lucia touring the kingdom is very picturesque. The watercolour illustrations are elegant, intricate and dreamy; set possibly in the jazz age are enhanced by a dynamic layout. The clever retelling of this fairy tale makes for more engaging characters and interesting story. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Candlewick Press 2015
Hardcover 32p
11.1" x 9.3"

Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack - Illustrated by Stevie Lewis

Prince & Knight, a fairy tale for modern times. A dashing and courageous prince searches far and wide for a worthy partner in this lighthearted take on true love. This story has the elements of a classic fairy tale: a charming prince who lives in a land far far away, he fights a fire-breathing dragon, finds his one true love and live happily ever after. His love however, is not the typical damsel in distress; he did not kiss her awake or save her from an evil witch but is a knight in shining armour. This knight, who is equally courageous and handsome as our prince shows that love doesn't have to follow the norm, it just needs to follow the heart. Written by Daniel Haack in rhyme, this book is a fun read and the messages in this LGBTQ friendly story will be easy to understand for young readers.

Stevie Lewis' illustrations are whimsical and cute; aptly chosen for this sensitive story. There is great use of colour for dramatic emphasis throughout. Her illustrations are clean, upbeat and a bit retro. The princesses are painted with different skin tones is a nice plus. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
little bee books 2018
Hardcover 40p
9.8" x 8.2"

Tales from the Arabian Nights: Stories of Adventure, Magic, Love and Betrayal by Donna Jo Napoli - Illustrated by Christina Balit

Arabian Nights or One Thousand and One Nights is a collection of folk tales from the Middle East. The first English version translated from Arabic dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Donna Jo Napoli retells twenty-five of these stories, some of which are popular titles like Aladdin, Sindbad the Sailor, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

The story begins with Shah Rayar, a king, who after his wife's betrayal is convinced that all women are unfaithful and wicked. To prevent himself from being hurt by women again, he would marry daily and execute his new wife the following morning. Scheherazade, the viziers daughter, bravely offers herself as a bride to the king in hopes that she could stop the killings. On their wedding night, Scheherazade begins weaving her stories of great adventure with genies and fantastical beasts. With the end of each story, another one begins. Enthralled by her stories, and eager to hear more, Shah Rayar delays killing her for another night.  Scheherazade's wit and charm saves her and the many lives of innocent women. The writing aptly demonstrates the growing affection and relationship between Shah Rayar and Scheherazade at the beginning of each chapter while also preparing the reader for the next adventure.

The illustrations by Christina Balit are collage like and colourful. Mosaic patterns fill much of the space with accents in gold. Along the sides of several pages are some snippets about the animals and cultures relevant to the story. The design of the book effectively make it appear to be less text heavy with the use of borders and extra imagery. Included is a map of the Middle East for reference, a bibliography and an index, being especially useful as many of the names are difficult to pronounce and remember. This is the fourth anthology written by Donna Jo Napoli and illustrated by Christina Balit for National Geographic. The previous volumes are about Norse, Egyptian and Greek mythology. Recommended for ages 9+.

Amazon
National Geographic Partners 2016
Hardcover 208p
9.4" x 12.1"