Heinz Janisch

"Here comes Rhinoceros. / Beautiful as a mountain. / A tiny bird settles on his back, / gentle as a snowflake, / and chirps. / A tiny bird, / a fellow traveller / who flies away too soon." And so begins this lovely, poetic look at a grey rhinoceros, so like a mountain in many respects, who wishes he were as free as the little white slowflake (AKA bird) who sometimes rides upon him. Fortunately, the rhino's friends are able to convince him that he is perfect just as he is, and the little show more bird, who in turn wishes to be solid and heavy, shows him that all creatures sometimes wish to be different than they are...

Originally published in German as Kommt das Nashorn, this beautifully-written, beautifully-illustrated picture-book was included in the "White Ravens" catalogue by the International Youth Library, which highlights the best children's books of the year, from forty different nations, and in more than thirty languages. I can certainly see why Here Comes Rhinoceros made the list, as the narrative is understated but evocative, with the repeated comparison of the rhino to a mountain working very well to communicate the central message of the tale. The accompanying artwork by Bansch, whose own picture-book, I Want a Dog!, is quite charming, is likewise understated but appealing, done in sepia tones that match the African plains setting. Recommended to anyone who appreciated beautiful picture-books, and to anyone looking for children's stories about accepting yourself for who you are. show less

Before I even start, the illustrations are W-O-W!! I am blown away by how pretty this book is! Especially the flying goose, that was cool.

Okay, to the review:

This is a great, little non-fiction book about Hans Christian Anderson's life. There's lots of still frames coloured beautifully, in what looks like water colour, to showcase Hans' life. He tells his story to a little girl in a trolley, and it whisks them away to his adventure. The fairy tales he tells are full of colour and wonder, show more lighting up the page.

I think this is a unique and absolutely marvellous way to tell a story. I'm super intrigued and honestly adored it! It's fantastic and I highly recommend both kids and adults alike pick it up. It's a gem!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and North South Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. show less

I love the conceit of making a big deal out of telling a story in twelve sentences. It could be irritating, but I think it works. The way he keeps counting his sentences within the text is funny, and it draws readers' attention to all sorts of things: counting to twelve, what a sentence is, economy of language.... The illustrations are fun, too, and what's not to love in a story about cooperation that ends with "a pleasant dinner"?

"The most wonderful fairytale is life itself. "
Hans Christian Andersen

A little girl travels with her lither to Copenhagen. It is going to be a long and tedious journey and the little one isn't enthusiastic about it. But there is also a very special passenger in the carriage that takes them to the capital. An elderly gentleman that seems to know many tales and all the mysteries of life.

He will share his finest story with the little girl. He will narrate the tale of a young boy whose father show more loved fairytales until the day he died, broken by the war. He will share his dreams and frustrations, his love for theatre and music. And writing. He will tell her all about Thumbelina, The Wild Swans, The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, The Tinker Box, The Ice Queen.

His name was Hans Christian Andersen.

A beautiful book, mockingly written by Heins Janisch, gloriously illustrated by Maja Kastelic. Watch out for references to the most beloved heroines and heroes of our childhood, all well-hidden in the gorgeous illustrations.

This is easily one of the most beautiful books for our little readers.

Many thanks to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ show less