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lagobond 's review for:
The Turnip
by Jan Brett
After my disappointing first encounters with Jan Brett's storytelling ([b:Comet's Nine Lives|197037|Comet's Nine Lives|Jan Brett|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|190583] & [b:Mossy|13586753|Mossy|Jan Brett|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360775887l/13586753._SX50_.jpg|19174101]) I wasn't expecting much from The Turnip, especially because I tend to be suspicious of American adaptations of other countries' folk tales. But I had already checked the book out from the library, so I figured I might as well read it.
What a fun surprise this was! Jan Brett delivers a creative, amusing reimagining of the giant turnip story. Eastern European children's literature was a big part of my childhood, so while I'm by no means an expert, I do know what feels right to me against that cultural background, and what doesn't. And I have to say I'm quite impressed by how well Brett has managed to capture the look and feel of Russian folklore, all while adding some fun twists of her own which would easily be at home in any Eastern European fairytale.
The illustrations are first rate. I love the sidebar vignettes of the Bear family which accompany the main story. I love Brett's richly detailed drawings of ornamental wood carvings, of the animals, of textiles and food, of landscape and buildings, of household items and farm tools. The picture above the little bears' bed made me say awww out loud. A beautiful book from beginning to end.
What a fun surprise this was! Jan Brett delivers a creative, amusing reimagining of the giant turnip story. Eastern European children's literature was a big part of my childhood, so while I'm by no means an expert, I do know what feels right to me against that cultural background, and what doesn't. And I have to say I'm quite impressed by how well Brett has managed to capture the look and feel of Russian folklore, all while adding some fun twists of her own which would easily be at home in any Eastern European fairytale.
The illustrations are first rate. I love the sidebar vignettes of the Bear family which accompany the main story. I love Brett's richly detailed drawings of ornamental wood carvings, of the animals, of textiles and food, of landscape and buildings, of household items and farm tools. The picture above the little bears' bed made me say awww out loud. A beautiful book from beginning to end.