Synopses & Reviews
Little Book of Fairy Tales is the second volume in the Little Book series and includes best-loved fairy tales such as "Puss in Boots," "Sleeping Beauty" and "Rumpelstiltskin" as well as less familiar but equally intriguing stories "The Seven Ravens", "The Three Feathers" and "Bearskin."
Verónica Uribes versions of these tales are based on collections by the Brothers Grimm, from nineteenth century Germany, and those of Charles Perrault, from late seventeenth century France, as well as numerous other sources. The result is a lively and refreshing retelling of many traditional stories.
In her selection of tales and emphasis on certain passages, Uribe was guided by Bruno Bettelheims The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales, which describes the elements in fairy tales most important for a childs emotional development. Uribe also includes fascinating notes at the end of the book describing the origin and history of each tale and how different versions vary.
Beautifully retold and vibrantly illustrated, this collection will delight readers coming to these fairy tales for the very first time as well as those with treasured memories of them.
Synopsis
Beautifully retold and vibrantly illustrated, Verónica Uribe's versions of these tales are based on numerous sources, including collections from the Brothers Grimm, nineteenth-century Germany, and those of Charles Perrault from late seventeenth-century France. The result is a lively and refreshing retelling of many traditional stories. For example, in "Sleeping Beauty", Uribe adopts the humorous dialogue that appeared in the original French version: "No sooner had the prince's lips touched the princess's own gentle lips than she opened her eyes, smiled, stretched, and said, 'What took you so long, my prince?'"
In her selections, Uribe was also guided by her familiarity with Bruno Bettelheim who detailed the elements in fairy tales most important for a child's emotional development. Notes at the end of the book discuss the origin and history of each tale, how different versions vary, and how children might identify with the heroes and heroines in some of the stories.
About the Author
Verónica Uribe is a highly regarded author and editor of childrens books who has always been fascinated by fairy tales and their history. She was co-founder of the noted publisher Ediciones Ekaré in Venezuela and now runs the publishers Chilean office. She was also a member of the Hans Christian Andersen Award jury for many years. She has written a number of childrens books including the award-winning title Buzz, Buzz, Buzz, illustrated by Gloria Calderon and published by Groundwood Books in 2001.
Gisela Arévalo is a Spanish illustrator who lives in Barcelona, Spain.