Swan Lake (Paperstar) [Mass Market Paperback]

Rachel Isadora (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 19, 1996 | Age Level: 4 and up | Series: Paperstar

One of the classic ballets, Swan Lake is based on the legend of a beautiful maiden turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer. Now, all the drama, mystery, and enchantment of the swan-maiden's tale come alive in impressionistic paintings of ballerinas that capture the movement of dance. "Excellent."--Publishers Weekly. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Isadora's (At the Crossroads ; Ben's Trumpet ) adaptation of Tchaikovsky's ballet gently blends the artistry of dance into this most romantic of scenarios. Graceful swans arc down toward the water under the watchful eyes of Siegfried; on the next spread they appear as a line of beautiful ballerinas shimmering in poised symmetry. Deep, liquid watercolors provide a brooding backdrop to the radiant maidens as they dance under the moon. The dark purples, blues and greens of the night sky are sharply cut by the orange streak of the rising sun, and instantly the maidens are returned to their sorrowful fate. The author's experience as a ballerina evidenced by the carefully rendered dance positions assumed by the characters, and would-be ballerinas will no doubt study them eagerly to emulate the replendant mystery of the story. Isadora eloquently demonstrates the interpretive power of dance, making this book an excellent introduction to the beauty of the ballet. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Kirkus Reviews

Briefer and less complex than the Fonteyn narrative (1989). The watercolor illustrations are more impressionistic and less dramatic than Trina Schart Hyman's but--both in their glowing, ethereal backgrounds and in the portrayal of characters as dancers--are closer in spirit to an actual production. Another excellent rendition. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1991, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (March 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698113705
• ISBN-13: 978-0698113701
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,569,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Missing meaning, June 28, 2000

By 

"narya58" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swan Lake (Paperstar) (Mass Market Paperback)

This retelling of the famous story of Swan Lake is a simplified version intended for younger children. Unfortunately, this simplification does a disservice to one of the main themes of this story. The ending is altered in a way that loses the idea of the prince being willing to sacrifice all, even his life, for his love. Even young children can recognize the princes's dilemma and appreciate what it means to sacrifice something important. This is a moral we would do well to leave in stories, not take out in the retelling. I also cannot leave without mentioning that although I have read many cudos for this author's watercolor illustrations, I have to say that I simply don't like them. Perhaps watercolor just isn't my medium.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Observant!, December 20, 2000

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Swan Lake (Paperstar) (Mass Market Paperback)

Many people have seen the ballet of Swan Lake performed. Most people who do are not quite sure what the story is behind the expressive music and dance. Even more people have only heard the music. This delightful book makes the ballet and music more accessible for children and reflects a loving feeling for dance. If you have a young ballet dancer or ballerina (or aspiring ones), this book will be treasured by her or him. You will undoubtedly inspire their continued interest in ballet and classical music as a result.

Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.

To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. Swan Lake was one of her picks.

From quite a young age, our daughter loved the ballet and would watch it on television or on videos. She studied ballet, but found that it was too difficult for her to do well. But she has retained her love of the art, and will be a devoted fan for life.

The great strength of this book is that it simplifies a complex story down into a small child's version. A two or three year old can enjoy it, and a four year old will be riveted by this book. The romantic ten year old will still be charmed.

A great part of the appeal comes from the water colors done by the author (who was a ballerina), which give a dream-like quality to the story. These are bright enough to attract a young child, and subtle enough to lend an appropriate mood of the story. The range of emotion is very well expressed in the scenes of nature.

You should be aware that the ending has been made into a happy one. I think that was a good decision for a children's book. It reminds me of the line from "Never on Sunday" where the Greek tragedies were described as comedies because everyone came to life at the end and appeared on stage for a bow. The actual story of Swan Lake would create many nightmares for young children. So I approve of the adjustment here. They can graduate to the more adult version when they are older.

The story emphasizes Siegfried's lack of caution at the ball when he mistakes the counterfeit appearance of Odile (induced by a magic spell by her sorcerer father, Von Rothbart) for his promised, Odette. That is a wonderful lesson for children in the importance of paying attention to detail.

I suggest two activities with your child after reading this book. One would be to play the music or watch a video of the ballet. The other would be to talk about places where it makes sense to look carefully . . . such as before crossing the street.

Check things out carefully to get the most out of life!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Introduction to Ballet, June 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Swan Lake (Paperstar) (Mass Market Paperback)

My four-year-old daughter discovered this book at the library and has fallen in love with it. Even her older friends (7 and 9) enjoy reading it and acting out the story. Rachel Isadora has written a simple yet poignant story of the ballet Swan Lake which children from four to eight can understand and enjoy. Her beautiful impressionistic illustrations captivate children and adults alike and truly make both the story and the ballet come to life before your eyes. I highly recommend this book to all little girls, especially those interested in ballet.