It's a paperback, (it also comes in hardcover) but with a nice sturdy thick cover. And what I really love about it is that inside the front cover, there's a small circle illustration, with a picture of each princess inside, with her name written underneath. The princesses are named after flowers - Violette, Delphine, Iris, Jessamine, Lilou, Veronique, Vervaine, Eglantine, Amarante, Marguerite and Rose. And Amandine (French for almond, and there's a reason why the last princess is given this name).
I'm not sure why this fairy tale has always appealed to me so much. I think it's because there's SO MANY princesses in the story. And because the hero is a broken down poor soldier. And because there are forests of silver. And diamonds. It's just a charming story that I've always loved, and Mary Hoffman's retelling is put into chapter form, and told in such a way that it will appeal to readers aged 6-10. It's a short little story, but the true magic of this book is what the artist, Miss Clara, has done with the illustrations.
We need to have a big 'ol conversation about Miss Clara. And by big I mean one paragraph down below, because I'm writing this at night and I'm falling asleep. But let me stress - this artwork is some of the most clever and detailed and intricate and gorgeous you'll ever see.
And I have to also say thank you-high five to my mother, who bought the fan you see in the pictures. She got it for Julia and we're both totally in love with it. Also, she gave me the beautiful little ceramic box you see in some of the photos - I've had it since my teen years - and also the lovely embroidered sheet. Basically, today's post has been sponsored by lovely grandmothers!
We have both of these, and they are indeed beautiful! You photographed this one perfectly.
ReplyDeleteYessssssss! I know you're a fan as well! So did you ever follow Stephanie's blog Millefuilles? She doesn't blog anymore, sadly. She makes handmade, hand sewn, hand crocheted beautiful stuffed animals that she sells, she has a Facebook page that she updates with new offerings. ANYWAY - she said there is the most GORGEOUS Miss Clara book, I forget which fairy tale or maybe it's a collection of some kind? But it's all in French. Sounds amazing though!
DeleteI seem to remember these comments somewhere.
DeleteSome French books: http://www.amazon.fr/Miss-Clara/e/B004MQ0MME/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
LOVE.
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ReplyDeleteOooooohhhh!!!! this looks so haunting and lovely! Thanks for showing me this! I hate to admit it but...I dont know this fairytale!!
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness, you will LOVE. Loooooooove!!!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteso pretty this book! you'll have to seek out for your girls when they are teensier bit bigger!
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