The Sleeping Beauty: Silver Anniversary Edition

by Trina Schart Hyman

Book Overview

The story of the beautiful princess who sleeps for a hundred years has captured the imaginations of children for an even longer period of time. How could everyone in a castle--even the flies on the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316387088
• ISBN13: 9780316387088
• Release Date: April 1983
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 7.5" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Glorious!

I had previously bought a Charles Perrault version and was disappointed. The Perrault version is boring and the book was small with bad illustrations. I was surprised at how good this Grimms version is. Large hard cover with wonderful illustrations. I'll be interested to compare this version with the 1959 Disney book I just ordered. But this book is completely satisfying for a Sleeping Beauty fan.

Splendid illustrations

Finally a satisfactory retelling of this classic fairytale! This is a retelling of the Grimm's version of Sleeping Beauty, and of the Sleeping Beauty books I've read I must say that this was at once the most grim and the most merry. It contains all the same warnings I've mentioned for other versions: Dead hens being plucked, a scullery boy being pummeled, bathing women (mostly just bar bums-though, I'm pleased this version clears up the bit about the frog-the queen was bathing in a pond here, which makes way more sense!). And, particularly disturbing in this version, the image of the dead princes who try in vain to make their way through the thorns... it's really rather ghastly, and it's stated in the story that they died a lonely, terrible death (I'm still trying to figure out the moral on this one, since the final prince manages to have a wonderful life. Had there been more of a reason why he is the lucky prince - had he been pure of heart, exceptionally kind, unusually witty, *something* then okay. However, it appears he's just the prince that happens to be around after the 100 years. This said, I did feel that he had a bit more motive, having had dreams of Briar Rose reaching out to him. And at least he admits he'd risk death to see her... AND he shares his super with an old man, so that must gain him points, right? ;>) <br />But, for some reason, while this book is the most blatantly grim, it doesn't really feel that way, because it's tempered with such color and vividness and charm that it feels really quite light! All you have to do is look for that *adorable* little dog on so many of the pages and you'll start smiling instantly! <br /> <br />Some of my favorite bits dealt with Briar Rose. I was pleased to see she received commendable fairy gifts (wisdom, a pure heart, etc. in addition to beauty). But, I'd never heard the bit about her name, that because she grew up so good and kind, but also mischievous and clever, she earned the name Briar Rose. Neat! <br />I also liked the fact that the king really didn't want to invite the evil fairy. On the surface, he didn't invite her because he lacked a 13th gold plate, but it provided a good excuse. I also thought it was interesting the the final good fairy could only alter the evil fairy's curse because the king had caused offense to one of their own. Now, it's an interest twist to why the curse can only be altered, but it does seem a *tad* unfair to poor Rose who wasn't at fault at all. <br />Also, I was glad to see the king felt guilty, but also wondered how a parent could POSSIBLY FORGET that a curse of death hangs over their child!? I'm not a parent, but I find that VERY hard to believe!!! <br /> <br />Still, overall the story flows very nicely, and I loved the two bits towards the end (mainly because I've become to wonder why the kiss is so important as it always seems that Rose will wake simply because the 100 years have passed, but this version seems to rectify that): After

Trina Schart Hyman's Sleeping Beauty

For the most beautiful Sleeping Beauty in the world, inquire within. Trina Schart Hyman has mastered the beauty of light and dark in all its magical glory. This book is my favorite of hers and a favorite of my library.

Wonderful Illustrations

I had never heard of Trina Schart Hyman, let alone seen any of her illustrations as a child. When I saw the cover of this book however I was just drawn right in, there was no resisting her spell. Based on the traditional Grimms telling of the fairy tale there's nothing new in the plot, the illustrations is what really makes this special though is the illustrations, they're a little dark, but you can tell hours of painstaking detail was put into each picture. So if for no other reason buy this for the illustrations and nothing else, I promise it'll elicit hours of enjoyment looking through each one and seeing a new detail every time you look at each picture.

One of the best editions that you can buy!

As soon as you see the cover, you will know this is an edition of Sleeping Beauty that you will want. You actually feel the joy of the baby's christening, and the hurt and turmoil of the wicked fairy's curse. The scenes in this book are medeieval looking and it even shows some of the seasons that pass. This might not be the way that you see Sleeping Beauty often depicted. The princess, Briar Rose has long red hair and she wears a knife around her waist, in true medieval princess style. This is definetly a good change for the story. With it's expressive wording and beautiful, unique illustrations, you will want to check out her other books such as Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and some others!!!!

One of my favorite versions

Hyman is a wonderful illustrator and her version of Sleeping Beauty is beautiful. It is one of the best versions since Edmund Dulac's classic illustrations. In fact, I don't have many favorite versions that have been published in the last fifty years. This is the version of Sleeping Beauty that I prefer to keep on my shelf for reading to children. The characters appear real and magical all at once. Hyman is a Caldecott award winning illustrator. This book is another example of why she is so honored.