Jim Henson's Storyteller [Hardcover]

Anthony Minghella (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1997

Based on Henson's Emmy Award-winning television series, this magnificent and unusual book is comprised of nine traditional European folk and fairy tales beautifully told with original full-color illustrations. The tale encompass the universal themes of folk literature--faith and need, enchantment, folly and greed, and courage and generosity. A spellbinding collection infused with Henson's special magic. 41 full-color paintings.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- Using Henson's Emmy-Award Winning TV series as a format, Minghella has compiled nine European folktales in this exquisite volume and given them a new twist. Each tale is showcased by full-color jewel-like illustrations that are reminiscent of the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. ``Hans My Hedgehog'' is a wonderful tale much like Pinocchio , ``The True Bride'' will remind readers of the trials of Rumplestiltskin , and throughout all of the selections, YAs will experience the issues of fear, need, enchantment, folly, courage, and sharing commonly found in folklore. This would be a perfect addition to European literature collections and could be well used in advanced writing seminars, history, psychology, and art classes. A fresh, interesting, and thoroughly enjoyable volume.
- Heidi M. Steinhauer, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

Under the aegis of the late Jim Henson, here are nine stories that first appeared as The Storyteller TV series--traditional folk and fairy tales refreshed for a modern audience. Released now as an adult book, this appealing, abundantly illustrated offering is just as suitable for young readers. Minghella looks to a Tuscan proverb (``The tale is not beautiful if nothing is added to it'') for inspiration and, like Italo Calvino in Italian Folktales, adds to and alters the stories, most already available in standard collections--``Hans My Hedgehog'' and ``The Luck Child,'' for example. Some of his variations lack resonance on paper (the troll in ``The True Bride'' speaks in scrambled phrases like ``I'm founded dumb'') and distract from the prime-time themes of fear, trust, fidelity, etc. Most, however, are interesting even when they deviate from the classic story line (Hans has soft bristles and a devoted mother) and often enough Minghella's own language sets the tone: ``in a week with two Fridays,'' he writes, or ``Suddenly everyone could live forever'' or ``Beggars are never what they seem.'' Darcy May's 41 full-color paintings, rendered in a subtle palette, are elegant, expressive compositions faithful to the spirit of the stories and kin to several old favorites. Image for image, they don't quite match the spiritual quality and inner flow of, say, Nonny Hogrogian's (juvenile) The Devil with the Three Golden Hairs, and they lack the penetrating aspect of the (much longer) Segal/Sendak collaboration The Juniper Tree. Good company to these and others already on library shelves, they have a soft, distinctive look that should draw in readers of all ages. -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Knopf (October 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679453113
• ISBN-13: 978-0679453116
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,388,900 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So *that's* what the Griffin was saying!, September 7, 2003

By 

Philip Thwing (Greeneville, TN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jim Henson's "The Storyteller" (Paperback)

Just so you know, all 9 episodes of The Storyteller are now out on a single DVD - something many of us have been waiting for for years. This book is, I think, the original screenplay of Jim Henson's Storyteller series because it follows *very* closely to the stories and dialogue seen on TV. The illustrations are also taken from the show and are very nice. The written word is different from television, however, and these stories take on a different light often in one versus the other, and there are some expansions here that didn't make the final editing cuts.

My kid and I love "The Storyteller" series, and this book is a pleasant addition for bedtime reading.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfection, December 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Jim Henson's "The Storyteller" (Paperback)

Perfection is the TV series that preceded this book. Of course, I must gloat and say that I knew all those many years ago that Anthony Minghella was the most exquisite writer I had ever heard/read. His words coupled with the genius of Jim Henson and company made for the best (no exaggeration) thing ever to be broadcast on television. To be able to read the words from these shows and have them readily available on your bookshelf is heaven. I've been recommending the TV series and this book for years. I still recommend it today.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best pieces of magic ever written, April 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Jim Henson's "The Storyteller" (Paperback)

Many years ago my family sat around the television, wide eyed and filled with magic; we were watching the Jim Henson Storyteller series. We waited and waited for it to reappear one day- to no avail. But FINALLY, a book! To be able to relive the "hugs and snoodles" of Hans My Hedghog, the stone soup tale of a "Story Short"- all of it beautifully, and creatively written, with illustrations to match- will take you back to your childhood. I find it hard to believe this has yet to be discovered. Don't miss the videos that are now out, at long last!