Fairy Tales

by Berlie Doherty

Book Overview

Presents a collection of twelve of the best-loved classic tales of all time.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763609978
• ISBN13: 9780763609979
• Release Date: August 2000
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 223 Pages
• Weight: 2.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.8" x 9.4"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Perfect Book

This is a perfect book for younger children who like fairy tales. The stories are well-written and perfect for a 10 minute bedtime read. What makes the book are Jane Ray's illustrations. It's not a book of "blonde/blue-eyed" princesses (and I have a blonde/blue-eyed daughter!), but people of all cultures. I've given this often as 5 or 6-year old birthday present.

fairy tales for"all the little children of the world"

This is an exquisite book. A child will want to get lost in the beautiful stories. As a collector of late nineteenth and early twentieth century illustrators for their stylistic beauty, it is thrilling to come across a book where people are just people. Berlie Doherty and Jane Ray are unafraid to deliver childhood magic in it's purist form, before we get our nasty little "them or us" hands on their inborn innocence. Often it is just social laziness. We read to our children the books that were read to us. I don't think anyone would deny that the great fairy tale writers meant their stories for all the children of the world. I don't think we should reject the past. People are products of their time, experiences and influences. But we should celebrate and encourage the good things in the present. There are enough bad ones to worry about. This is a lovely,lovely book. Princes and Princesses come in all colors with eyes of all shapes. There is not a jarring note to be had. I would encourage everyone to buy a copy and get lost in the borderless world of Berlie Doherty and Jane Ray.

Exquisite!

This is really the best collection of fairy tales that I've ever seen, and I have seen a lot of them. First, the illustrations are simply exquisite. The heroes and heroines of this book are a seemingly multicultural bunch, and there is a dreamlike quality woven through the art. It's an unusual approach, and it makes this collection so appealing to see dark-haired, brown-eyed princesses. I love it, and so do my daughters. And the stories themselves are well told. It's as if the author sifted through all of the versions of these stories floating around, and put down the very best of them -- the ones that you would pick yourself. I don't like it when I am reading a classic story and parts of it just seem simply wrong. But that is most definitely not the case here. If you are looking for a collection of fairy tales, stop. You've found it. Buy it, and I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

Twelve Classic FairyTales That Shine Like New

This is a physically beautiful volume, medium sized and easy to hold while you have your arm around another person. The illustrations are unique and creative and accented with gold which adds to the magical ambiance. The pages have colorful decorated borders and the interesting use of silhouettes is striking. The text is true to the original tales while being melodious, fresh and inviting. Don't miss the enchanting picture of Cinderella that goes with this text, "She heard a fluttering as if all the leaves were unfurling at once, and the birds of the tree flew down carrying a silver dress and slippers that glittered like stars." Now isn't that a little better than Bibbity Bobbity Boo?

A Unique Treasure

The artwork initially caught my eye with this book. Jane Ray's enchanting combination of watercolor, ink, and collage drew me in completely. The design is reminiscent of a beloved scrapbook, and it is truly beautiful. Text blocks and illustrations are bordered with gold accents, creating the illusion that they have been "mounted" on their exquisitely designed backgrounds. The colors are rich and the images range from simple silhouettes to intricately detailed landscapes and portraits. Ray adds to the book's charm with her multicultural representations of characters. In addition to traditional (Caucasian) depictions, readers encounter a Black "Beauty," a Chinese "Aladdin," a Moroccan sorcerer, a henna-tattooed Indian princess, and a variety of other diverse characters. While the stories all hail from Western Europe, the illustrations and character portrayals add an element of multiculturalism and diversity.Although many of the story titles are familiar, they are by no means ordinary or generic. Berlie Doherty has traced them back to their roots in order to maintain the original "essence" of the classic tales she has chosen. In a generation where many fairy tale classics have been altered and homogenized by the entertainment industry, Doherty's return to the original versions is both refreshing and pleasantly nostalgic. Fairy tale novices and veterans alike will be enchanted and intrigued.This book has quickly become a valued treasure in my collection for its unique appeal and beauty. The text is candid and honest, incorporating elements of humor, sadness, joy, and more while still maintaining the original "magic" of the tales. A great book for yourself or as a gift - I highly recommend it!