Rumpelstiltskin (Grimm Version)

Rumpelstiltskin (Grimm Version)

A strange little man helps the miller's daughter spin straw into gold for the king on the condition that she will give him her first-born child. From Publishers Weekly This new rendition of the Grimm classic comes up short when compared to Paul Zelinsky's Caldecott Honor version. The retelling, in an odd mix of formal and familiar tones, downplays the story's essential magic, mystery and suspense. Spirin's ( Once There Was a Tree ; The Fool and the Fish ) artistic interpretation is not quite up to his usual level of excellence here--many of the book's pages feature surprisingly bare scenes of characters standing about talking to one another. Even the climactic scene in which Rumpelstiltskin unwittingly reveals his name is related entirely through Sage's exposition rather than Spirin's art (Zelinsky's interpretation of this same scene is an eerie, full-page masterpiece). Rumpelstiltskin himself, as portrayed here, is not a frightening or even odd creature; he is merely a very short, well-dressed man. Though Spirin's paintings of costumes and courtly splendor are, as always, elegant, Rumpelstiltskin is a tale that demands drama and flair. Ages 4-8. Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 3-- As in The White Cat (Orchard, 1990), Spirin has once again used his richly colored and intricately detailed paintings to create the perfect medieval setting for a traditional tale. His deep but subtle palette gives the pages the sheen and texture of velvet, seemingly lit by the dusty glow of spun gold, an aura that is especially appropriate to the story. The page design adds to this Old World feeling with composition that frequently calls to mind works of the Old Masters. Statically posed figures are set within formal frames, surrounded by ample white space that focuses the eye and captures movement. The use of arches gives the impression of scenes glimpsed through castle windows. Sage's retelling more than holds its own. She weds dialogue and explication smoothly, with just the right tone--traditional but not stilted. The original Grimm tale is fleshed out slightly, made more human by a miller who is less greedy than foolish; and by a dwarf whose weakness for tears brings about his downfall. The language flows with an easy, natural rhythm that reads well aloud. Libraries owning Zelinsky's version (Dutton, 1986) may not find this an absolute necessity, but those whose patrons have an insatiable appetite for illustrated folk and fairy tales will definitely want a copy. --Linda Boyles, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FLCopyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.