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sarabearian 's review for:
Spindle's End
by Robin McKinley
You think you know the story of Sleeping Beauty? Think again! This retelling of the popular fairy tale will take you through some unexpected twists and turns in search of happy ever after. - Beth M.
From ten stories up, golden eagles see details on the ground that are beyond our ken. They see colors beyond our imagining every minute of every day. So although golden eagles and humankind inhabit the same natural world, theirs is a deeper, richer version of that world. And so it is with Robin McKinley’s retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
Although the story was originally written by Giambattista Basile in the 17th century, retold in a different, more familiar form by the Brothers Grimm in the 1812 first volume of their Children's and Household Tales, and popularized by the Walt Disney Studios in a 1959 animated feature film, it has been left to Robin McKinley to see details beyond our ken and colors beyond our imagining throughout the story.
McKinley uses magic as her perfect fifth in our natural world completing the circle of earth, wind, fire, and human nature. Magic that is sparked by friendship, loyalty, and the abiding presence of families both born-to and gathered-‘round. Magic that carries with it the commitment not simply to talk with animals but to listen as well. Animals offer help humans had not thought to ask for in the early days as the story was becoming a story, and animals rally to us when the end looks near. Both times simply because it was the right thing to do.
There are no golden eagles in Spindle’s End, but there is a merrel. While we have every reason to believe McKinley’s merrel is a singular raptor unto itself, nevertheless you would be right to think of it in golden eagle ways.
Spindle’s End is an accelerated reader appropriate for upper elementary grades. Lexile measure: 1220L – Steven S.
From ten stories up, golden eagles see details on the ground that are beyond our ken. They see colors beyond our imagining every minute of every day. So although golden eagles and humankind inhabit the same natural world, theirs is a deeper, richer version of that world. And so it is with Robin McKinley’s retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
Although the story was originally written by Giambattista Basile in the 17th century, retold in a different, more familiar form by the Brothers Grimm in the 1812 first volume of their Children's and Household Tales, and popularized by the Walt Disney Studios in a 1959 animated feature film, it has been left to Robin McKinley to see details beyond our ken and colors beyond our imagining throughout the story.
McKinley uses magic as her perfect fifth in our natural world completing the circle of earth, wind, fire, and human nature. Magic that is sparked by friendship, loyalty, and the abiding presence of families both born-to and gathered-‘round. Magic that carries with it the commitment not simply to talk with animals but to listen as well. Animals offer help humans had not thought to ask for in the early days as the story was becoming a story, and animals rally to us when the end looks near. Both times simply because it was the right thing to do.
There are no golden eagles in Spindle’s End, but there is a merrel. While we have every reason to believe McKinley’s merrel is a singular raptor unto itself, nevertheless you would be right to think of it in golden eagle ways.
Spindle’s End is an accelerated reader appropriate for upper elementary grades. Lexile measure: 1220L – Steven S.