|
| |
|
 |
Reviews of
The Three Billy Goats Gruff, adapted by Mary Finch and illustrated
by Roberta Arenson
|
Publishers Weekly
says:
"Finch (The Little Red Hen and The Ear of Wheat) and
Arenson (One, Two, Skip a Few!) play up this familiar tale's lean but
highly satisfying narrative trajectory. With the immediacy and economy
of a skilled storyteller, Finch includes just enough sound effects and
role-playing opportunities to bring the action to life without weighing down
its progress. The troll, for instance, croons a catchy ditty:
I'm a troll, from a deep dark hole,
My belly's getting thinner,
I need to eat and goat's a treat
So I'll have you for my dinner.
"Arenson embellishes her vibrant full-spread collages with
stenciling and flourishes, but there's an admirable sense of restraint at
work here, in perfect harmony with Finch's voice. With their blocky
bodies, bright, mischievous eyes and stylish coats of yellow, pink or aqua,
the goats make for a trio of spunky heroes.
"Their nemesis is impressively grimy, thanks to Arenson's use of fibery
brown papers, but he also sports fetching purple toenails. The artist
crops her collages to underscore the drama: one scene is composed like
an overhead shot, looking down on the littlest goat crossing the bridge as
the troll menaces him from underneath.
"These appealing billy goats put up with no guff. Ages 6-8."
 |
 |
Kirkus Reviews says:
"A classic fairy tale gets a facelift, with collage illustrations and a
delightful repetitive phrase sure to rouse smiles....
"Using textured paper, Arenson (Manu and the Talking
Fish) has created a wonderfully gruesome troll, complete with long nose
topped with green wart, wild spiked hair, orange teeth, and purple
toenails....
"This perky, new -- and less violent -- edition will
delight readers in their traditional quest for the greenest grass."
|
|
