Arnica Esterl

Una versión del cuento clásico con algún giro interesante y unas ilustraciones brillantes en el estilo de los maestros flamencos (Vale la pena leerlo sólo por ellas)

Originally published as Okino und die Wale, this picture-book from Arnica Esterl - a prolific children's translator whose fairy-tale work includes the German editions of a number of Hans Christian Andersen's tales, from Däumelinchen (Thumbelina) to Die Schneekönigin (The Snow Queen) - contains a story within a story, as a mother tells her young son an ancient tale concerning a woman who follows her daughter into the sea, striking a bargain with Iwa, the Great Mother of the Ocean, in order show more to free her child.

I'm not sure whether this tale is inspired by any work of mythology or folklore, or is the author's original creation, and Esterl provides no information on that score, but I found the resulting narrative rather uneven. Truthfully, I picked Okino and the Whales up because of the gorgeous cover art (and because I love whales), and I think Marek Zawadzki's illustrations are the real strength here. The cool serenity of his underwater scenes, and the warmth of those he sets on land, make an appealing contrast. I will definitely have to keep my eye out for more work by this Polish illustrator! show less

Una versión del cuento clásico con algún giro interesante y unas ilustraciones brillantes en el estilo de los maestros flamencos (Vale la pena leerlo sólo por ellas)

After a tailor kills seven flies with a piece of cloth, he creates a leather belt with the words “Seven at one blow” engraved on it. People in the kingdom, however, misinterpret the meaning of the words and think the tailor killed seven people in one blow. Soon, he has the entire kingdom shaking with fear at the sight of him. The king intervenes and gives him three tasks: kill two giants, capture a unicorn unharmed, and capture a wild boar. If the tailor succeeds the king will give him show more his daughter’s hand in marriage, and half the kingdom.

Confidence in all you do seems to be the moral of this story. No matter which task the king bestowed upon him, the brave little tailor never faltered. He found himself rewarded and happy at the end of the story. This is a good story to read to a child because it has a positive message. Young audiences who are so often influenced by pop culture and the media might find comfort in an “old fashioned” believe-in-yourself-and-you-can-do-anything message. The pictures are really interesting. If you are a fan of big hats, and gigantic flies, and elephants that walk on the roof, then this book may be the one for you! show less