Hans Brinker

Hans Brinker (ages 4 & up, $16.99) retold by Bruce Coville, illustrated by Laurel Long was written in the 1860's and is a classic that few still read. This charming reintroduction is faithful to the intent of the original, a tale of a family sticking together through hardship and of wishes granted in the nick of time. Maintaining the peripheral pieces of the story is integral to its enticing quality.

The story of Hans Brinker is a true classic, but few still read the novel, which was written in the 1860s. Now Bruce Coville and Laurel Long are reintroducing the charming tale in this glorious picture book version. Laurel Long’s paintings are breathtaking and luminous. And as he has done in his retellings of Shakespeare’s plays, Bruce Coville has masterfully reshaped the sprawling story into a picture book that’s fresh, engrossing, and faithful to the intent of the original. This is a tale of a family sticking together through hardship, and of wishes granted just in the nick of time. The race to win the silver skates is well-known, but the mystery of the watch and the missing riches is equally enticing. This is the best kind of fairy tale, and kids will be riveted by its drama. For the winter holidays or anytime, this is a book to cherish.

Bruce Coville lives in Syracuse, New York.

Laurel Long lives in southern California.

Imprint: Dial
Distributor: Penguin Group USA, Inc
Publication Date: 11-01-2007
Pages: 40
Measurements: 11.74in X 9.38in X 0.41in X 1.10lb