Dove Isabeau

One of my favorite picture books as a child, and still one of the most breathtaking books I've ever seen.

Illustrated with detailed and captivating drawings on every page, Dove Isabeau tells a classic, haunting fairy tale about a lovely young maiden and her evil, witch stepmother. Having lost her beloved mother, Isabeau only has a white cat for company, while the dark-souled witch wants nothing more than to be rid of her. And so she casts a spell, turning lovely Dove Isabeau into a fearful dragon wyrm who no one can recognize.

Can the King's son Owen from across the sea break the spell? Will the witch be vanquished? And what mysteries does the little white cat hide?

Definitely no ordinary children's storybook, this gorgeous and inspiring show more fairy tale hearkens back to the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson...but put your mind to rest, the ending is satisfying. :) show less

At first I was despising this, but then I realized that it's not Snow White's tale, it's not for young children, the witch's motives don't matter, and the 99 heroes did not die in vain. The epilogue makes it all work out with a message every young girl needs to read.

Very highly recommended to all children who are of an age to start thinking about who rescues whom... or if that's even the right question....

FotL Chanute

I first came across this beautiful book at school when a librarian introduced me to it and have had a problem finding it since. Fortunately I now own a released library copy so I can re-read this as many times as my heart desires.

This is a beautiful fairytale retelling where the story is familiar enough to lull the reader into thinking they know the end and then having a surprise twist to it. There is more than one hero in this tale but which hero do you call the bravest is up to you.

I will admit this is a story you may want to watch reading to your children for it can be bit gruesome in a vague way while the pictures are gorgeous. Sometimes while reading the book I just stare at the pictures for a few minuets since the breath-taking show more details add to this story.

If you like fantasy and fairytales this is definitely a keeper..... show less

Another oldie but goodie, read as a kid and enjoyed. One thing - if I remember it correctly - is that the stepmother wanted Isabeau to stand in a certain place so that she could admire Isabeau's beauty. Even as a kid, this struck me as odd, as it seemed such a weird thing to ask/say to someone.

Although based upon a fairytale, this book isn't for the faint of heart. It is an intense story of love and self-sacrifice as well as the truth of the heart that envies so well.

Jane Yolen never disappoints. This is a lovely little fairy tale.