The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales [Hardcover]

Nilesh Mistry (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 1998

Bestselling children's author Neil Philip retells enthralling fairy tales from all over the globe, combined with entrancing illustrations that conjure up magical worlds where wishes come true, the wicked are punished, and the good are rewarded spectacularly.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6?The idea of using tales from around the world to illustrate different themes (e.g., "Under a Spell," "True Love Conquers All") is interesting, but these selections are dull and unappealing. Most of the stories are popular and well known but the retellings are dry and missing that unique and subtle quality that brings folklore alive. "And the wolf leaped upon Little Red Riding Hood and gobbled her up" as a final sentence just falls flat. Throughout the narrative, sidebars illustrated with photos, drawings, and reproductions provide information about the folktales, their origins, where they might have taken place, and what makes them special. These tidbits are distracting and sometimes offer irrelevant facts. Does it matter in "Jack and the Beanstalk" that a modern harp would be heavy, 5.5 feet high, and difficult for Jack to carry down the beanstalk? Most of the illustrations are grotesque and frightening. Pass on this one.?Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (March 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078942794X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789427946
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,343,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to read *with* your kids!, December 9, 1999

By 

Tracy (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales (Hardcover)

This book contains 52 classic tales from over 30 countries! I thought I was well-versed in fairy tales; however, of the numerous tales included in this particular book, I was familiar with only eight. The stories are not terribly long, an average of only 2-4 pages in length. It is a wonderful book for parents to read with their children, great for giving your kids (and yourself) a more rounded view of the world. But keep in mind, these are not 'Disney' tales, they more resemble the original Brother's Grimm stories.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL ILLUSTRATIONS BUT STORIES NOT FOR AGES 4-8, May 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales (Hardcover)

This book has wonderful stories from all different cultures. Illustrations are magic! BUT I don't know what they were thinking when they aged it at 4-8 yrs. No way! Bluebeard in particular is gruesome. A good book for parents to read WITH their kids - they get the exposure with backup explanation from you. Also, stories are short enough that you still have time to do the explanation!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Stories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, December 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales (Hardcover)

This is one of the most imaginable stories recently printed. Our 11 year old grandson and I have enjoyed this book, even though I don't like all the decapitations. Definitely not recommended for anyone younger than eight. When I read to our grandson's 8 year old sister, I avoid 50% of the book, and never let her read it without some explanation from me. The illustrations are wonderful. We also enjoy the comparisons of the same story told in other countries.