The universal appeal of fairy tales

Fairy tales seem to be part of the collective literary consciousness no matter when or where one came of age. With firm roots in oral tradition and tendrils that reach deep into the human psyche, the fairy tale is the consummate example of a good story well told.

REVIEWS BY DENISE OLIVIERI YAGEL

DK Publishing adds a comprehensive and noteworthy volume to this genre with The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales, retold by Neil Philip, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. Categorized according to culturally universal themes -- "Under a Spell," "Riches and Rags," "Heroes and Heroines," and "True Love Conquers All" -- this 52-story collection is clearly worthy of its subtitle, "Spellbinding Stories from around the World." Philip has culled a collection as easily used by parents for reading to children at home as by teachers and librarians for group storytime.

Mistry's muted yet evocative illustrations are an essential element in the book's success, highlighting the most crucial and telling moments of the tales. In DK signature fashion, each page brims with drawings, photographs, and ancillary factual information, a device which never fails either to entice a reluctant reader or to enrich a willing one.


For classroom use or summer afternoon arts and crafts time, Kathy Ross's Crafts from Your Favorite Fairy Tales illustrated by Vicky Enright, is a clever, creative companion title. While the actual tales are not included in the book, this selection of craft projects inspired by 20 of the most widely read fairy tales is designed to encourage both exploration and expression in young readers. Using everyday household or craft store items, the projects can be done by kindergartners with some help, or can be elaborated upon or adapted by older children.

Puzzles, a story theater, and an especially charming Seven Dwarfs egg carton bed are all outlined in easy-to-follow instructions. Even the traditional puppet is given a face-lift, whether it be Rapunzel peeking out from a paper tube tower, or Cinderella, transformed from rags to riches with a simple turn of the hand.


Fans of Cicely Mary Barker's whimsical Flower Fairies will find much to celebrate in the 75th anniversary book of Flower Fairies of the Spring. This edition collects new, original, and previously unpublished illustrations with Barker's feathery light brush strokes rendered here in vivid clarity. Included also are a biographical introduction and a timeline covering the design and popularity of these charming creatures.


Denise Yagel Olivieri is a reviewer and former children's bookseller from Richmond, Virginia.

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