Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm (Hardcover)

~ Nancy Ekholm Burkert (Illustrator), Randall Jarrell (Translator) "Once it was the middle of winter, and the snowflakes fell from the sky like feathers..." (more)
Key Phrases: thou art the fairest

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who is the fairest of us all?" repeatedly asks the Queen, Snow White's stepmother. She always gets the answer she wants, until Snow White turns seven, and the mirror must truthfully answer, "Snow White." At the news, the Queen turns yellow and green with envy and commands the huntsman to kill Snow White and bring her "lung and liver as a token." Thus begins another enchanting fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm!

Kirkus Reviews called this collaboration between Randall and Nancy Eckholm Burkert "a sort of legend even before its time of publication." Jarrell also wrote The Bat-Poet and The Animal Family, a Newbery Honor Book. Jarrell retained the Grimm (and grim) ending to the tale, as the stepmother is forced to dance to her death. Burkert's illustrations are magical, light-filled creations that more than earn the book its Caldecott Honor Book status. This delightful book's extra-large format showcases the fabulously detailed illustrations, alternating two facing pages of art with two pages of straight text. This is an unforgettable interpretation of a well-loved story. (Ages 6 to 9)

From Publishers Weekly

A stunning version of the Grimms' classic story. All ages.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Farrar Straus & Giroux (January 1, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374370990
• ISBN-13: 978-0374370992
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,563,032 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #10 in	Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Staff Favorites > Traditional Fairy Tales (ages 5-9)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stories of the unconscious, February 19, 2001

By	"uvonx" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

Parents - read these stories to your kids. No, the Brothers Grimm are not Disney. They are not a contrived fantasy world that teaches your children little fairies will come and save them from their troubles when something goes wrong. Disney is good for sing-a-longs. Parents, if you want to teach your children *life lessons* about growing up, about facing their fears, and about not being ashamed of who they are, read the Grimm tales to them. Then, after you're done, explain to them what these books entail. Teach your child about *life.* Allow their minds to function, because a nonfunctioning mind is clinically dead. .....stories of the unconscious.....

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful and Compellingly illustrated Snow White, June 14, 2004

By	J. Fees "imaginart" (Port Carbon, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

This book was one of my favorite's at our school's library when I was younger. This is far from Disney's version. The illustrations are breath-taking and moody at times, yet they embrace the simple essence of the story. The text is perfect for reading aloud but the pictures deserve many glances. The details in the illustrations are something to behold. Children will enjoy this version but also anyone on the college level interested in fantasy literature and illustration. Bottom Line: A simple yet elegant edition worthy of having a place on your bookshelf. A+

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Illustrations, May 22, 2004

By	Robert C. Adams (Milton, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

The reviewer who said this book wasn't for her 5-year old is right. It's not the Disney we all grew up with but rather more grim. It would be for older children. And adults. Read on.

The real treasure in this book is the incredible illustrations. Nancy Burkert has given her pictures a strong mediaeval feel, the detail in each one being extensive. You won't find Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, et al. here but rather dwarfs: short men with normal-sized heads. For example, the scene in which they are depicted mourning Snow White is truly amazing. You can feel their grief as you see them standing 'round the glass coffin.

This book is interesting for the story-line but absolutely worth owning if you enjoy and appreciate exquisite illustration.