Iron John [Hardcover]

Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm (Author), Eric A. Kimmel (Author), Trina Schart Hyman (Illustrator)

Book Description

With help of Iron John, the wild man of the forest who is under a curse, a young prince makes his way in the world and finds his true love.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The duo that created Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins reunites for this Robert Bly-inspired retelling of a tale from the Brothers Grimm. A prince named Walter frees the wild man Iron John, caged by Walter's royal father, and joins him in the woods. There Walter grows to manhood, but when he fails the task set him by the wild man-to keep a spring unsullied-Iron John leaves him. At the same time, however, Iron John forgives Walter and provides magical assistance as he seeks his fortune, ultimately granting him his kingdom. Kimmel adapts much more freely than Marilee Heyer did in her recent version of this tale. Most significantly, he imposes an egalitarian ending, in which the prince marries a kindhearted garden girl who truly loves him, rather than a princess who had spurned him in his misfortunes. Hyman's expressive pastels move with ease from the dark power of the forest to the colorful pageantry of the court, contributing to the seamlessness of the presentation. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 5-In this altered version of the well-known tale, Kimmel has combined elements of the original plot and the Cinderella story. He has omitted the introduction to the tale, which describes the wild man's capture, and begins the story as the young prince (named Walter) frees his father's prized possession and then, fearing his wrath, runs away with Iron John, who raises him. When Walter is grown, he is sent out into the world and volunteers to serve a king. After winning the hearts of the three princesses at a masked ball and beating all challenges at the king's tournament, the young man is wounded while slaying a band of robber knights who have carried off the princesses. Only the tears of his beloved (here a garden maid named Elsa) save him. He is never reunited with his parents, but returns to Iron John's kingdom. Hyman has illustrated the tale in full-and one-third page, muted oil paintings peopled with characters whose lovely faces are familiar echoes of many of her earlier folktale illustrations. Her forest is dark and eerie by night, a fern-filled grotto by day; her palace garden a charming composite of color; her wild man appropriately wizened and hoary. Alas, the captivating romanticism of the pictures cannot compensate for the lack of cohesiveness and requisite fairy-tale elements. In contrast, each part of the original Grimm tale contributes something to the whole. Iron Hans, illustrated by Marilee Heyer (Viking, 1993) is an authentic version of the story, dramatically illustrated.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823410730
• ISBN-13: 978-0823410736
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,543,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeply satisfying tale., October 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Iron John (Hardcover)

This is one of my favorite books to read to my daughter. The story, (although changed a bit from the original), has a depth to it that can only be felt first hand. The illustrations wonderfully set an enchanted mysterious world, and speak to a part of the soul rarely touched by the average children's fairy tale.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My kids LOVE this book, January 30, 2009

By 

Laura A. Taillon "Family Center" (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Iron John (Paperback)

This is a truly wonderful book! My kids (boy, 4 & girl 6) want me to read it to them over and over.

This is also a book where the handsome prince chooses character over beauty. I highly recommend this book!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a classic telling with a twist, September 25, 2010

By 

Lorran Wild - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Iron John (Hardcover)

The illustrations lure me into an enchanted world. I appreciate the adaptation that Ilsa the garden girl becomes the queen, instead of the 'youngest princess'. All my children (and me), identify with the characters as they are represented. It is romantic, adventurous and ripe with meaning. We just had to have it on our bookshelf.