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readingthroughthelists's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Lovely illustrations. The story is reminiscent of several other tales of its type, and is told by Erhlich in a style that feels a little overly sentimental to me. (But that may just be a Hans Christian Anderson thing). Still, we love a happy ending for everyone..
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
3.0
The book was well-written, but I wish there had been more illustrations, and that they had been in color - like the vibrant cover.
servemethesky's review against another edition
5.0
First review: 3.30.17
This book holds a spot near and dear to my heart, and that's likely the main reason for the 5 star review. This is a quirky tale that follows a strange story arc, but the lovely images in this text are what really make it for me. I love the weirdness and I love the vivid illustrations. This edition is truly beautiful and unique.
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Updated review: 1.2.21
Every time I reread this book, I love it a little bit more. The Shiba Productions/Golden Press version features photographs of puppets in dioramas, with vibrant colors, that makes it so lifelike, eye-catching, and captivating. This story is so compelling and beautiful, I can return to it again and again. I may soon be developing an obsession with collecting the other fairytales in this Shiba Productions series, stay tuned...
This book holds a spot near and dear to my heart, and that's likely the main reason for the 5 star review. This is a quirky tale that follows a strange story arc, but the lovely images in this text are what really make it for me. I love the weirdness and I love the vivid illustrations. This edition is truly beautiful and unique.
---
Updated review: 1.2.21
Every time I reread this book, I love it a little bit more. The Shiba Productions/Golden Press version features photographs of puppets in dioramas, with vibrant colors, that makes it so lifelike, eye-catching, and captivating. This story is so compelling and beautiful, I can return to it again and again. I may soon be developing an obsession with collecting the other fairytales in this Shiba Productions series, stay tuned...
lovegirl30's review against another edition
4.0
I never can tire of Hans Christain Anderson.
Two great fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, this book contains The Wild Swans and The Nightingale. I would dissect the meaning, symbolism, underlying themes, but I won't. I really enjoyed the cover is completely bright and super fun.
I did feel like it was very long, but honestly, it was good.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
3.0
There are two stories in this book, The Wild Swans and the Nightingale. Of the two, I prefer the nightingale, because it doesn't beat us over the head with g*d talk. It is just the story of an emperor wanting to cage a wild bird. Beautiful language. But sadly, no pictures. :(
The first story, The Wild Swans, does have simple line drawings, that could have done with a bit of color. It is a faithful translation, from what I can tell of Hans Christian Anderson, and therein lines the problem.
This is a bit of a hard one to judge, but being non-christian (I'm pagan), it is amazing how much g*d and christianity, and piety get into what most people would think of as a simple fairy tale. This is a new translation, and I don't believe I have read Hans Christian Anderson in a while, and certainly not a close to the original version of this story.
If you can get past the injection of piety and praying that is thrown in, it is a sweet fairy tale. I suppose that is his explanation for good magic.
So, while I love fairy tales, and love the language when it is not preachy, the black and white illustrations, and lack of illustrations for the second story make me feel it is only three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The first story, The Wild Swans, does have simple line drawings, that could have done with a bit of color. It is a faithful translation, from what I can tell of Hans Christian Anderson, and therein lines the problem.
This is a bit of a hard one to judge, but being non-christian (I'm pagan), it is amazing how much g*d and christianity, and piety get into what most people would think of as a simple fairy tale. This is a new translation, and I don't believe I have read Hans Christian Anderson in a while, and certainly not a close to the original version of this story.
If you can get past the injection of piety and praying that is thrown in, it is a sweet fairy tale. I suppose that is his explanation for good magic.
So, while I love fairy tales, and love the language when it is not preachy, the black and white illustrations, and lack of illustrations for the second story make me feel it is only three stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
bergenslabben's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
beereads88's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
elvirabianchi's review against another edition
3.0
O.W.L.S Readathon 2020 - Mind Medic
Transfiguration: A book that deals with shapeshifting
Okay, listen.
Being someone that doesn't like fantasy (with a few rare exceptions) this prompt had me in literal tears when I read it.
But then I thought of this story, which has always been one of my favorites ever since I was a child and I used to listen to the audio cassette with the spooky narrator voice.
It had been a while since I read it (well, listened to it) so it was a nice dive in the past.
There is something about this story that will forever be unsettling to me, even if I can't pinpoint it exactly.
Transfiguration: A book that deals with shapeshifting
Okay, listen.
Being someone that doesn't like fantasy (with a few rare exceptions) this prompt had me in literal tears when I read it.
But then I thought of this story, which has always been one of my favorites ever since I was a child and I used to listen to the audio cassette with the spooky narrator voice.
It had been a while since I read it (well, listened to it) so it was a nice dive in the past.
There is something about this story that will forever be unsettling to me, even if I can't pinpoint it exactly.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
2.0
I have been spoiled by reading Hans Christian Andersen with illustrations by Sanna Annukka.
melaniegaum's review against another edition
5.0
Impressive illustrations! This was a great retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale. I do wish that the evil stepmother had gotten some kind of punishment at the end, though, and that the king had been reunited with his children. (But this is a fairy tale and they often have loose ends like that.)