Classic Fairy Tales

Rating:
Summary: Featuring ten top classic fairy tales
Review: Gustafson's previous books have proven long-time best-seller packing in rich art detail and classic stories, and his Classic Fairy Tales is no exception, featuring ten top classic fairy tales edited by the artist and balancing fantasy prince/princess settings with real adventures. Recommended for parents and chiuldren as a solid read-aloud choice.


Rating:
Summary: A Feast for the Eyes!
Review: I bought this book mostly because I am a fan of Scott Gustafson's art work. I was not disappointed. There are illustrations on almost every page with many two page spreads.

The text is pretty standard "fairy tales" stuff, but I feel that the illustrations make it come alive and would excite the imagination of the younger reader. Definitly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Edition Not To Be Missed!
Review: I first discovered Scott Gustafson's artwork a few years back and I absolutely fell in love with his paintings. If anyone has seen his editions of Peter Pan and The Nutcracker, then your eyes have seen some of the most beautiful paintings to grace the pages of storybooks in the past few years. When I discovered that Scott was going to release a book of fairy tales, I could hardly wait. 10 of his original paintings that were featured on various mediums from collector's plates to limited edition prints served as the basis for this collection of stories. When I received the book, I couldn't wait to see the paintings. I soon found myself having a ridiculously large smile, his paintings instantly sparked my imagination. I could barely contain myself. While all of the stories are richly illustrated, my favorites in particular are Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. This is a book that is beyond compare and is a prized work from a wonderful illustrator. The large format is ideal for little hands as well as being a wonderful coffee table book. Anyone who simply sees the cover of this book, surely must want to take a peek inside. With all of our favorite characters on the cover who wouldn't want to? The stories are also well researched, and although nothing fancy, they are true to the original tales. This book would be a great way to introduce the original versions of the stories to the young. This book is on my list and I Highly Recommend it to absolutely everyone! A+

Rating:
Summary: A Classic Edition Not To Be Missed!
Review: I first discovered Scott Gustafson's artwork a few years back and I absolutely fell in love with his paintings. If anyone has seen his editions of Peter Pan and The Nutcracker, then your eyes have seen some of the most beautiful paintings to grace the pages of storybooks in the past few years. When I discovered that Scott was going to release a book of fairy tales, I could hardly wait. 10 of his original paintings that were featured on various mediums from collector's plates to limited edition prints served as the basis for this collection of stories. When I received the book, I couldn't wait to see the paintings. I soon found myself having a ridiculously large smile, his paintings instantly sparked my imagination. I could barely contain myself. While all of the stories are richly illustrated, my favorites in particular are Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. This is a book that is beyond compare and is a prized work from a wonderful illustrator. The large format is ideal for little hands as well as being a wonderful coffee table book. Anyone who simply sees the cover of this book, surely must want to take a peek inside. With all of our favorite characters on the cover who wouldn't want to? The stories are also well researched, and although nothing fancy, they are true to the original tales. This book would be a great way to introduce the original versions of the stories to the young. This book is on my list and I Highly Recommend it to absolutely everyone! A+

Rating:
Summary: Illustrations Amazing but Text Stilted
Review: I totally agree with other reviewers that the illustrations are totally awesome. But the text attempts too hard to stay true to the earliest versions of these tales so as to make it difficult to read out loud to small children. In some cases, things only made sense when we referred back to some of the European language versions from my wife's childhood. I'm not suggesting references to wicked step-mothers trying to have their step-children offed be removed. And maybe the writers are reacting to the overly PC/Disney-sanitized for your protection trend. I am referring more to story flow. Just as much of the magic of the story can be conveyed through sounds and rhythms as much as the illustrations and accuracy. At the end of the day, I would still highly recommend to others: Just make sure you read it to yourself first and transliterate with spirit when reading out loud to eager young ears.

Rating:
Summary: Will Go Down in History
Review: The artist is not only superlative, the tales are clearly researched back to their origins, making this book wonderful for adults who remember their own fairy tales of youth. The artwork is perfectly entrancing, with detail that keep both young and old spellbound. Destined for greatness in a field glutted with medocrity in both art and story. A Classic for Every Library.

Rating:
Summary: A Feast for the Eyes!
Review: The lavish paintings in the book are sure to spark the imaginations of young minds. The illustrations (in the style of N. C. Wyeth) are so rich and beautiful, I could see my young son eagerly scanning every one, wide-eyed as I turned each page!
I couldn't recommend this book more! It's well worth the modest price. I can't wait to see more work by Scott Gustafson! (How about a Volume II Scott?)