|
The pictures are simply beautiful ~ so full of color and expression and detail. I have always loved the story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" and have searched and searched for an adaptation that evoked the memories that I carried from my childhood. And the story is told in a simple yet profound way so that children as young as three but as old as eight or nine will be able to find meaning and enjoyment. (As children, my sister and I fell in love with the Scholastic version which, sadly, is off the market). But this version is as good, if not better. I can not recommend this book enough. In my mind, it deserves a space on every child's bookshelf.
This a beautiful version of one of my favorite stories. It is just perfect for read-aloud. Must have.
However, the elves themselves were not quite to my taste, though I have no doubt they'll appeal to most parents reading to their children. After the shoemaker is made wealthy, he and his wife stake out the workshop and discover their secret benefactors. Everyone knows the story of the elves and the shoemaker - the poor cobbler who is visited by a pair of elves who (for reasons that are purposefully never revealed) help him out by crafting exquisite pairs of shoes. Rather than show them as miniscule adults, they are portrayed as small children with pixie-features. Seeing how poorly they are dressed, they make for them tiny clothes and shoes, and delighted with their gifts, the elves leave forever as mysteriously as they came.It is an unforgettable story of anonymous charity and giving, and children all across the world love it for its simplicity and mystery. Jim LaMarche is utterly faithful to the old Grimm's version of the tale and using vibrant colour throughout his illustrations.Jim LaMarche's illustrations are lovely when depicting the old shoemaker and his wife, as an old and loving couple in the warmth and cleanliness of their little shop. However, to my eyes they looked very modern, especially the girl who actually reminded me of a Jan McLean doll.However, this is a personal gripe due to memories of my childhood version of the tale in which the elves looked adult, mischievous and vaguely wicked, making it all the more interesting that they were helping an elderly couple in need. Anyone else who picks up this book will be certain that they've found the definitive version of the famous Grimm's fairytale.
Not many children now think twice about where their shoes come from. This book is a wonderful companion to any collection of classic fairy tales. Above all else, the illustrations really bring the tale alive. The illustrations are lively and charming; the tale is retold simply and well. This book also does an excellent job of conveying what a cobbler does, if you are looking for some books to bring history alive. The quality of the expressions on each character's face is truly incredible and any small child can easily "read" along by seeing the delight on the faces of the customers, the patience and careful work done by the elves (you can practically hear them whistle as they work), the astonishment and gratitude felt by the shoemaker and his wife. This heartwarming story is a must for any preschool or first grade classroom.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. A true artist. Very cleverly hides the elves in each page and its much fun for a 3 year old to find them and the mice and birds too.
|
