Customer Reviews

The Nightingale

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is our second-favorite version of this story, but only because the one by Paul Birkbeck is so extraordinary.

Jerry Pinckney is always magnificent. He sets this story in a town like Morocco or maybe somewhere in Andalusia, judging by the architecture and scenery. The setting lets him mix European, Middle Eastern, Bedouin, and African characters into the story. The richness of the fabrics and the furnishings will knock your socks off, and when death sits on the Emperor's chest -- Wow!

The contrast between the wealth of the court and the simplicity of the mockingbird is very appealing. We love this book.

This story seems to me to hew very closely to what I remember of the original Nightingale by Andersen... but then, I don't have it directly in front of me to compare. Regardless, the only big change I see is moving the setting to Morocco instead of China (which is just as well, China was only chosen as a shorthand for "far away and mysterious", and who doesn't know all about China by now?) and having a "Fixer-of-all-Things" instead of a clockmaker.

The illustrations are colorful and lovely, and the story is as touching as always, with the classic Andersen theme of valuing the real above the fake.

Pinkney is amazing...his books are top of my list for children's gifts...the art is beautiful, rich and detailed...and words have a gentle flow ...great to be read aloud and shared

An updated twist on the classic tale of the little nightingale who is caged and loses her life energy in captivity. When released, she returns to her beautiful singing and freedom and saves the life of the king. Fabulous illustrations and a beautiful rendering of the story. This wonderful book should be read by any adult or child who enjoys fairy tales - a message for everyone.