Thumbelina

Thumbelina, illustrated by Susan Jeffers.

Originally published in 1979, this abridgement of Hans Christian Andersen's Thumbelina - in which a tiny girl must escape from a number of would-be bridegrooms - was recently reprinted, in 2005. Adapted by Amy Ehrlich and illustrated by Susan Jeffers - who also collaborated on The Wild Swans, The Snow Queen, and Cinderella - it is pleasant enough, but also problematic, from both a narrative and illustrative standpoint.

Ehrlich's retelling omits a few key episodes, from Thumbelina's kidnapping by an amorous beetle, and resultant grief at her knowledge that the butterfly she tied to her lily pad will probably starve to death, to the sparrow's final flight north, where he relates his tale to a man show more (Andersen, clearly) who understands him. The result is a story that feels flattened: robbed of much of its emotional power, and sense of danger. Ehrlich attempts to compensate for this by making the character of the Mole even more unlikeable - going so far as to have him behave in an abusive way to Thumbelina, forcing her to sing until she is hoarse - but the effect is melodramatic, rather than sinister.

Unfortunately, Susan Jeffers' pen and ink illustrations are just as uneven, lovely in some places, and out of place in others. Why does Thumbelina change dresses in every scene, after coming to live with the Mouse, always looking like a Victorian lady? The two-page spreads are quite beautiful, but the overall impression is of a project that doesn't hang together as it should. This is an edition I would recommend only to Susan Jeffers fans - everyone else should probably look further, perhaps to the Lauren Mills edition, or to the recent retelling by Sylvia Long. show less

The familiar Hans Christian Andersen story of Thumbelina has received the royal treatment from Susan Jeffers. Her large, lovely pictures make this seem like you are stepping into the story for the first time. Thumbelina is so dainty and sweet that it's no wonder the toad wishes to marry her but poor Thumbelina has a harrowing time escaping from her warty suitor. Share a trumpet vine blossom with Thumbelina, a pair of hummingbirds and a fat bumble bee or take a ride with her on the back of a gallant swallow. This whole story is enchanting from start to finish and the pictures are a delight!

This book is most beautifully illustrated Thumbelina I have been able to find. The images have a Victorian/Edwardian bent to them. Jeffers' retelling is a little shorter than many others, with less reliance on the original text.

Lovely, lovely illustrations. Thumbelina has never been one of my favorite fairy tales, but this version is certainly beautiful to look at.

An enchanting fairy tale about a fairy the size of a thumb. All little girls will love this story. The illustrations in this story are beautiful. This story was one of my favorites as a child and I am happy to still have this story in my personal library. I would recommend this story to all young girls.

This book is a good example of a fairytale because there is no single identified author for the storyline.
Art Media: fine-line pen with ink and dyes
Character: Thumbelina is a good example of a main character because she is portrayed a dynamic character, with different interactions and feelings with other characters throughout the book

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Susan Jeffers.