The Sleeping Beauty by Berlie Doherty and Jane Ray

What is it?

The Sleeping Beauty In The Forest

Who wrote it?

Berlie Doherty

Illustrated by Jane Ray

Where can it be found?

 Walker Illustrated Classics: Classic Fairy Tales

Adaptation?

No, just a re-telling.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

ALWAYS remember to invite the most evil and powerful fairy.

JudgeABook: Starters by Lissa Price

There's one bookshop that I've visited a few times in the last few weeks and each time I walk past their YA section, I see this face staring out at me. I think partly what grabs my attention, other than the fact that it's a face that's staring at you, is that it's white, or close enough, and so many books go for dark covers that this one is rather arresting. The different colour eyes, the blue text, it all works to get my attention. I can't say it's the type of book that makes me want to read it, but I must confess I cannot stop looking at it when I see it in shops. Perfect for a JudgeABook post

Sarah had decided she wanted a change. 

Internally, she logged off that part of herself that was Sarah, and ejected the data card that contained her personality. She could see in the reflection of the screen in front of her that her skin was already blanching, losing it's colour, her hair turning white as the tinting follicles waited for their new instructions. She reached for the card labeled 'Kate' and a mechanical smile tugged at her face. Blue eyed Kate was such fun.

 

3 Gold Stars

Find it on Goodreads 

 

Other JudgeABook Posts

 

Goldilocks on CCTV by John Agard and Satoshi Kitamura

What is it?

Goldilocks On CCTV

Who wrote it?

John Agard

Illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura

Where can it be found?

In ‘Goldilocks On CCTV’

Adaptation?

Yes, a different spin on this story, focusing more on the aftermath.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

Breaking and entering, theft, vandalism: Bears were prepared with CCTV

Extended thoughts:

When I was reading this collection of contemporary takes on fairy tale characters, I was trying to decide which poem to write about. In the end I picked the title poem because I think it’s rather funny. It talks about how the news reported of the girl who was caught sleeping at the scene of the crime and how the Bears decided to drop the charges.

Like other poems in the book, it adds an element to the stories we know that I think high school age kids will appreciate. Drawing on the more mature concepts behind some of the stories, they poke fun at both classic conventions engrained in fairy tales as well as having a little giggle at contemporary life.

Favourite Quote:

“There she was, tucking in
to a bowl of their muesli.
Every move on CCTV.

How she vandalised a chair
in the nursery
then tried out their Jacuzzi”

Moral of the story in my own words:

Crime doesn’t pay. Especially when security cameras are around.

3 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

The Princess And The Pea by Hans Christian Andersen

What is it?

The Princess and the Pea

Who wrote it?

Hans Christian Andersen
(Compiled by Russell Ash and Bernard Highton

Where can it be found?

A Classic Illustrated Edition: Tales From Hans Christian Andersen

  

Adaptation?

I’m not entirely sure. It is certainly shorter than other versions I know, but whether that is in the editing, I don’t know.

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

This Prince has ridiculous constructs about women. Thin-skinned indeed!

Extended thoughts:

More so in this version than in others, I was struck by how unreasonable the prince was in his search for a wife. She had to be a real princess (italics from the book) and every princess he met, the world over, “wasn’t quite right”. It begs to question if he actually wanted to marry at all, or if the whole thing was a charade to appease parents who wanted him to marry. It gets a bit silly. And who says that such a ‘Thin-skinned’ woman maketh a real princess anyway? Dose that imply that real royalty has never done a day’s work and has had no opportunity get thick-skin? Is the queen equally afflicted by these disproportional bruises? Should they see a doctor? And why, oh why, would a real princess appear on the doorstep in the middle of a thunder storm, looking a mess and simply claiming she was a princess? Something smells of a con job…

I do love the Edmond Dulac illustration that accompanies it though. He has a fantastic way with perspective and sweeping angles.

Favourite Quote:

“The pea was placed in the royal museum, where it can still be seen, unless someone has taken it.”

Moral of the story in my own words:

(Mmm, this one is hard).

If you’re too picky in finding a partner, you might end up with a lying, homeless person with a medical condition. 

3 Silver Stars

Find it on Goodreads

A Fairy Tale About A Boy Who Left Home To Learn About Fear by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

What is it?

A Fairy Tale About A Boy Who Left Home To Learn About Fear

Who wrote it?

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

Where can it be found?

in The Annotated Brothers Grimm
Edited by Maria Tatar

Adaptation?

Recorded by the Grimms

My thoughts in exactly 10 words:

No fear, no sense, and an overworked sense of compassion.