What child doesn’t love fairy tales?
Or child at heart, for that matter, like me. I am such a fan of classic tales that I love reading them to the kids as much as they love hearing them. I love finding newly retold and re-illustrated versions of tales of old. Sylvia Long, acclaimed nature artist and children’s book illustrator, has brought to life in a brand new way the beloved tale of Thumbelina. Released from Chronicle Books this year, Thumbelina is the same familiar story but with spectacular illustrations throughout. In Long’s artwork, as much detail is paid to Thumbelina’s natural surroundings as is paid to the tiny winged child herself. The roses are so colorful and vibrant that they almost have a smell. The wart-covered toad is ten times fascinating when seen from so close up — from Thumbelina’s point of view, of course. The crystal blue waters of the pond look cool and inviting enough to dip your toe into….and you’ll feel as if you’re actually submerging underneath the earth’s surface to get a glimpse into the mol
