Snow White (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Snow White

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–This is a rather conventional retelling of the Grimms' story except that Copper has recast the tale with animals in human dress. Snow White, her father, and Prince Charming are rabbits; the evil Queen is a cat; the huntsman a dog; and the seven dwarves are mice. The lush paintings feature deep, rich colors with romantic dress and details, set against velvety dark backgrounds. The illustrations lend a dramatic tone to the retelling, but the conceit of using animals in the human roles undercuts the effect and does little to further readers' understanding of or relation to the tale. In their fancy clothing, the creatures appear ungainly, awkwardly poised on two legs. Dav Pilkey's Dogzilla (2003) and Kat Kong (1993, both Harcourt) use animals to broaden comic effect, but Copper's effort will leave youngsters uninvolved. There are a number of better versions available, including Randall Jarrell's translation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Farrar, 1987), which features distinguished art by Nancy Ekholm Burkert.–Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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From Booklist

K-Gr. 2. A familiar tale gets a decidedly different look here, with artwork that is as handsome as it is unsettling. Copper uses the unexpurgated version of the Brothers Grimm story in which the wicked queen, disguised as a peddler, visits Snow White in the forest three times. (Even little ones might wonder why, after two near-death experiences--with a too-tight corset and a poison comb--Snow White thinks it's a good idea to buy her apple.) The draw here is primarily the artwork--majestic oil paintings in which all the characters are animals. These are no sweet little four-legged creatures, though. The queen, a green-eyed cat, is both beautiful and loathsome as the story progresses; the seven dwarfs are mice dressed in jerkins and leather britches, their rodent characteristics evident despite their clothes; and Snow White, a pure white rabbit, is imbued with a simplicity that almost causes her death. Drawing on the realism of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century portraiture, the pictures cut a bold swath. Children may not warm to this, but they'll be fascinated. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (September 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525474749
• ISBN-13: 978-0525474746
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,765,721 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly amazing book, October 5, 2005

By	John W. Davis "Thrilled Grandfather" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have four grandchildren ages, 2, 3, 4 and six. They (and their parents) all enjoyed the book, especially the illustrations. It was wonderful to revisit the Brothers Grimm version of the story as well as to experience the beautiful full page illustrations. This will be a book that will stay in the family for generations. Melinda Copper is to be congratulated on a wonderful book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting book appeals to children of all ages, October 3, 2005

By	clara sawinski "chris" (tx) - See all my reviews

I read this book to the K-1 and 4-5th graders at my daughters school. The children were so captivated by the beautiful illustrations that I had to promise to leave the book in the classroom for the day so they could look more closely at it. Once the children got used to the idea that there is more than one version of this classic, they were excited by the antics of the evil step mother cat! The older children loved the detail of the illustrations and the fact that they could see the texture of the canvas in the pictures. The younger ones were delighted by the hamsters and mice. This book raises the standard of children's book illustrations. It will make a wonderful gift for a child of any age!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful book by a extremely talented artist, September 22, 2005

By	Qedrin Booth "Qedrin" (Quincy, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Copper is a extremely talented artist which is apparent in this beautiful book. A stunning illustration of a classic fairy tale that will please all ages. The details in the illustrations are so vivid that you feel as if you are sitting there in the same room as the characters. This book will be a fine addition to any household and will be cherished for generations to come. I highly recommend this book to all.