Customer Reviews

The Tinderbox

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

 

 

Whoever reviewed this book in "editorial" needs to have their eyes examined. Grotesque watercolors? Inept humor? What are they talking about? This is the FIRST version of the Tinderbox by H.C. Anderson, one of my favorite fairy tales that I've really found to be pleasing. The three dogs with humoungous eyes are delightfully fantastic, and the hero and heroine well rendered. The more bloodthirsty and amoral elements of the tale are changed (ie: the soldier doesn't lop off the witch's head but instead traps her in a deep pit) to its improvement, IMHO. Warhola's watercolors are cheerful, fairly realistic, quite appropriate for the lighthearted and rambunctious story.
A great introduction to an exuberant tale for the young, especially for boys. It's not a wimpy fairytale by any means, even if there is a princess and kissing at the end. Warhola and Thompson do a commendable job. Should be reprinted!

This version of THE TINDERBOX is engaging and lovely. The illustrations are captivating and the storytelling wonderful. For some reason, the reviews Amazon has posted list Moser as the author and puts the story after the Civil War. I don't know which book they're referring to, but it's NOT this one.

I would not recommend this book. It is very violent and not for anyone under age 13. There are several capricious murders and a general glorification of wealth. First, the killing of the witch is a gruesome surprise that I caught just before I read that sentence to my four year old. The witch had just provided the soldier the means to be wealthy and he cuts off her head when she never even threatened him, rather she just asked him to keep his end of the bargain by giving her the tinderbox. He basically murders her for a tinderbox that he doesn't know at that point of the story is magical. That would be like killing someone for a box of matches. Also, when the soldier has money, he is happy and has friends. When he is runs out of money, his friends leave him and all he can think about is how do I get more money. Finally, the king and queen are murdered and their daughter the princess takes it all in stride and immediately marries the man who killed them, whom she has never met. Not a good message - a really bad fairy tale book with absolutely no moral other than "might makes right".

The only people this book that might enjoy this book are Hans Christian Andersen enthusiasts.