The Twelve Dancing Princesses [Hardcover]

Brigette Barrager (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2011 | Age Range: 1 - 8 years

The talented Brigette Barrager lavishly illustrates this beautiful retelling of the Grimm Brothers' "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." In this fairy tale, twelve princesses wake up every morning to find their shoes are worn out and they are totally exhausted! A handsome suitor discovers that the princesses are enchanted, and that each night, in their sleep, they travel to a magical world to dance at a ball. Will this handsome suitor be able to break the spell and rescue the princesses?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"With art resembling that of animated film and several graceful dance scenes, this story could easily be set to a sound track. ...a pleasing tale for reading aloud and storytelling" - School Library Journal

"Barrager brings a fittingly soigné aesthetic to this retelling" - Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Brigette Barrager graduated from the California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in character animation. She inherited her mother's collection of fairy tale books as a child, and her love of those magical, fantastic, and dreamy worlds has never left her. She lives in Los Angeles, California, and this is her first book.

Product Details

• Age Range: 1 - 8 years
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811876969
• ISBN-13: 978-0811876964
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.4 x 11 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute Book for Little Princesses May 21, 2011

By Pam T TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover

Brigette Barrager has retold this classic story in a way that is just right for younger children. She's pared away the parts of the story that preschoolers might not like, and provided plenty of interesting images in their stead.

In this version, the princesses dance away the night, but aren't aware -- like they are in the Barbie version -- of what they are doing. Instead they are sleepy all day, and it's that sleepiness that has their father, the king, offering treasure to whoever can solve the mystery.

The illustrations feature large-eyed princesses, and a cute shoemaker-hero. They remind me of the Little Golden books I read as a child.

Nice read-aloud.
Would make a nice gift too.

Pam T~
mom/blogger

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Whimsical Delight! May 19, 2011

By Valentine

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Have you been aching for a traditional fairy tale told in just the right way to delight the truest princess fans? Barrager's retelling of the 12 Dancing Princesses is uniquely funny and equal parts regal and mysterious. The illustrations are lush and fragrant as the flowers the princesses are named for. The book is tinged with magical charm and whimsical characters which will delight not just younger children, but stay with them as they grow older and more able to decipher the quick and meticulously chosen language. As Pip learns the key to the princesses' mysterious disappearance each night, readers will learn the meaning of words like "proclamation," "antidote," and "vapor." Not only does the story flow in perfect pitch, but each illustration, from the first to the last page, is only more magnificent than the last. This book should be an instant classic and I can't wait to see what accolades are in order for this talented and extraordinary author and illustrator!

TheSuperLibrarian

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars New take on a classic tale July 22, 2011

By Jessica at Cracking the Cover

Format:Hardcover

There have been many versions of "Twelve Dancing Princesses," gracing picture, middle-reader and young-adult books. Each version has its own take on the tale, and the newest by Brigette Barrager is no different.

Barrager's retelling of the Grimm Brothers' "Twelve Dancing Princesses" is simpler and lighter than many of its counterparts. Her retro-feeling illustrations, however, lend themselves well to this beginner's version, and younger readers, particularly girls, will find themselves falling in love with this book. There's a dreamlike quality throughout with graceful lines and pastels suited perfectly for this princess tale.