SNOW WHITE - Hardcover

Poole, Josephine

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679926569 ISBN 13: 9780679926566

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1991

Synopsis

Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who is the fairest of us all?' The mirror answered. 'Queen, you are full fair, 'tis true, But Snow White is fairer than you. ' So the wicked queen orders a huntsman to take Snow White into the forest, kill her and bring back her heart as proof. But she is so lovely that he takes pity on her and spares her. Venturing into the depths of the forst, Snow White finds a little house belonging to a family of dwarves who take her in. However, when the queen discovers that Snow White is still alive she is furious and again takes up her mission to do away with fairest maiden in the land. This classic children's story is retold in freah language of elegance and beauty, which brings this extraordinary, haunting story vividly to life again. With all the grace and grandeur that make Snow White the quitessence of all fairy tales, this version with breathtaking illustrations will be treasured by collectors of all ages.

About this title

Review

"Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is the fairest of us all?"

This well-known entreaty by the evil queen is where any fundamental similarity between the Disney version of Snow White and this lovely interpretation begins and ends. Grimm's fairy tale is familiar, but the subtlety, respect and mystery of this new version are unique, as are the depth of characterisation and plot. Barrett's rich, gorgeous illustrations serve as a stunning backdrop to the reinvented drama and contribute to the more sophisticated feel of this rendition. The seven dwarfs, for example, are not depicted as freakish slow-witted anomalies; they are simply small, kind men. One of the most haunting images of the book is of Snow White running through the dark forest, translucent white gown flowing, scratches from the brambles barely visible on her legs, wild animals racing along beside her as comrades and protectors.

This author-illustrator pair also collaborated on the highly acclaimed Joan of Arc. Barrett's illustrations (also seen in The Emperor's New Clothes and other books) have an elegant, luminescent appeal, ideal for the romance of a fairy tale. Readers of any age will be mesmerised by the exquisite interweaving of Poole's and Barrett's art. (Ages 5 to 10) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author

Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett both live in England.

Edition details

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 1991
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679926569
• ISBN 13: 9780679926566
• Binding: Hardcover