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The Fairy Tales
Jan Pienkowski's exquisitely detailed illustrations decorate every page of this stunning fairy tale collection. His bewitching silhouettes and glowing marbleized backgrounds bring to life the enchanted worlds of four beloved stories"Snow White," "Sleeping Beauty," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Cinderella." Each fairy tale has been translated and retold to reflect the original dark magic of the earliest versions of these classic works. And with special details like gold-edged pages, this lavishly produced volume is a perfect holiday gift for the whole family to treasure.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
David Walser
22 books1 followerDavid Walser was born in 1937 in Singapore, where his father was serving in the R.A.F. Trapped in Indo-China by the outbreak of World War II, David Walser and his mother made a perilous escape back to England. He is a writer, translator, artist, and musician, and has collaborated with Jan Pie´nkowski on eleven books. He lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 12, 2018
Lovely style! My favourite were the illustrations for "Sleeping Beauty." I liked the silhouette style of the artwork a lot, and I wish this illustrator had done work for more tales and not just the 4 classic tales (Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hänsel & Gretel, Cinderella) that are included in this book.
September 12, 2017
When I was a child I would have craved this gorgeous book with all my heart. I would have loved the heavy paper, the fancy font, the extra-careful translations, and of course the illustrations that are both pretty and just a bit naughty. I would be in a fairy-tale mood, and would have wished that I didn't know any better than to actually steal it.
Now, it seems a fair bit overdone. And the shapely silhouettes of the very young women make me feel a bit squicked. And the simplicity of the roles (heroines lovely, stepsisters ugly, servants pretty much decorative), while traditional, is not what I am now looking for. And there are only four stories! I would rather have had fewer pictures and more tales.
Now, it seems a fair bit overdone. And the shapely silhouettes of the very young women make me feel a bit squicked. And the simplicity of the roles (heroines lovely, stepsisters ugly, servants pretty much decorative), while traditional, is not what I am now looking for. And there are only four stories! I would rather have had fewer pictures and more tales.
November 5, 2009
A book of fairy tales - they're a dime a dozen. But how many of them are illustrated in silhouettes? Furthermore, how many of them include the little-known fact that Snow White's wicked stepmother was made to dance in red-hot iron shoes until she died?
We love the crazy silhouette pictures, they're detailed and funny. The story-telling doesn't take itself too seriously and there aren't any tricks involving the Prince and the Maiden. They fall in love and live happily ever after.
I also like the translation. It flows nicely and is very visual.
We love the crazy silhouette pictures, they're detailed and funny. The story-telling doesn't take itself too seriously and there aren't any tricks involving the Prince and the Maiden. They fall in love and live happily ever after.
I also like the translation. It flows nicely and is very visual.
March 1, 2023
You know the beloved fairytales of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Hansel and Gretel, but I bet you've never seen illustrations like this.
Combining vibrant watercolor marbled backgrounds and silhouette cut-outs, Polish artist Jan Pienkowski gives us an almost shadow-puppet like showing of these four stories. (If you're a puppeteer or you want a book to figure out logistics of shadow puppets in design, check this out).
The adaptations/translations by David Walser are fast-paced but true to their original stories.
Combining vibrant watercolor marbled backgrounds and silhouette cut-outs, Polish artist Jan Pienkowski gives us an almost shadow-puppet like showing of these four stories. (If you're a puppeteer or you want a book to figure out logistics of shadow puppets in design, check this out).
The adaptations/translations by David Walser are fast-paced but true to their original stories.
April 2, 2025
Collection of Grimms Brothers fairy tales with beautiful illustrations. Read this to help with my own writing and it’s kinda wild how two-dimensional most of the classic fairy tale characters are/how unbelievable characters’ actions are. I get that it’s magic/suspense of disbelief but still….4 stars for lovely illustrations
November 30, 2023
The retellings were wonderful, but since this is a picture book, the illustrations are what mainly influence my rating. These were not my style. I can see how some might appreciate the originality of silhouette illustrations, but as a visual person who loves vibrant colors and vivid scenes, this was incredibly lacklustre to me. Especially how hair was portrayed, even for the supposedly beautiful characters, it looked thin, wispy, and scraggly. In my opinion, for a children's book of fairy tales, this style did not work. If they were dark retellings (which I thought at first based on the front cover), that would be an entirely different matter.
March 31, 2025
Omg these illustrations are STUNNING!! The mix of acrylic pour/marbling and silhouette is just so gorgeous and eye catching. I picked this up at a used bookstore and I'm so glad I did. I love the way this work sits in context with the rich tradition of silhouette illustration in fairy tale history.
There are only a few tales in this collection, and they're the classics. I'd love to see a second collection with more (or more obscure) interpretations of tales!
There are only a few tales in this collection, and they're the classics. I'd love to see a second collection with more (or more obscure) interpretations of tales!
December 7, 2020
This book contains standard re-tellings of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel & Gretel and Snow White. The illustrations were silhouettes and though I missed more standard fairy tale art, the silhouettes were very effective. I also really liked the production of the book itself - the font, font size, layout, etc., was very pleasing.
November 21, 2016
Originally posted here
A beautiful collection featuring four classic fairy-tales, illustrated with Pieńkowski's silhouette art style on some breathtaking coloured backgrounds. The fairy-tales that are included in this book are the Grimm's Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty; and Charles Perroult's version of Cinderella. I was really happy to see that David Walser faithfully translated the original tales and included some of the more grisly details that are often edited out. The striking silhouettes gave such a divinely mysterious feeling to some of the tales, especially as the Grimm's versions can be quite dark in places.
The level of detail in some of the pictures is impressive and it often takes a minute to really look at the image and see all the tiny details. The rich background colours really give an almost spooky and magical vibe which I could imagine would be quite fascinating for children, especially. A preview of a couple of the illustrations can be seen here.
I really enjoyed this stunning book and I would highly recommend it to everyone who cherishes fairy-tales.
June 9, 2016
The Fairy Tales presents original versions of popular fairy tales in a beautifully illustrated format. Walser’s careful translations of the tales preserve the old fashioned feel of the stories and include some of the unpleasant aspects of the stories that are often edited out.
Pienkowski’s detailed silhouettes illustrate the stories beautifully. He is a master at expressing emotion through the body language and color, which is important since silhouettes don’t include facial expressions. Some of the silhouettes are traditional black on a white background. Others are non-traditional black on marbled paper backgrounds. His choice of color is clearly well thought out, and it adds to the mystery and mood of the illustrations.
In the introduction we learn that Pienkowski grew up in Poland, Austria, and Bavaria. He says, “The forest was my playground, my jungle, and the stuff of nightmares…inhabited by all kinds of strange and wonderful creatures. My silhouettes may well have been inspired by the forest.” Additionally, he recognizes the influence of traditional art of central Europe in his own art. I believe that these influences make his illustrations perfect for these fairy tales that are also full of strange and wonderful creatures. And a few nightmares.
Pienkowski’s detailed silhouettes illustrate the stories beautifully. He is a master at expressing emotion through the body language and color, which is important since silhouettes don’t include facial expressions. Some of the silhouettes are traditional black on a white background. Others are non-traditional black on marbled paper backgrounds. His choice of color is clearly well thought out, and it adds to the mystery and mood of the illustrations.
In the introduction we learn that Pienkowski grew up in Poland, Austria, and Bavaria. He says, “The forest was my playground, my jungle, and the stuff of nightmares…inhabited by all kinds of strange and wonderful creatures. My silhouettes may well have been inspired by the forest.” Additionally, he recognizes the influence of traditional art of central Europe in his own art. I believe that these influences make his illustrations perfect for these fairy tales that are also full of strange and wonderful creatures. And a few nightmares.
January 20, 2015
If you love classic fairy-tales and stunning illustrations, this is definitely the book for you!
Classic fairy tales are classics for a reason, but Pienkowski brings something completely new that still somehow holds true to the spirit of the original stories. With marbleized silhouettes for three of the most classic tales - Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty - the beloved stories are brought to life in a beautiful and haunting way, reminiscent of the original works.
I've never seen colored marble as the background for silhouette illustrations, but the result is striking and beautiful! The figures themselves are highly stylized, and Pienkowski's execution of the action from the sideways perspective of his characters makes the stories feel almost like a play unfolding on the glossy pages of the book.
Some pages are stunning while others are more simple and elegant, but the whole work is definitely worth a look!
Classic fairy tales are classics for a reason, but Pienkowski brings something completely new that still somehow holds true to the spirit of the original stories. With marbleized silhouettes for three of the most classic tales - Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty - the beloved stories are brought to life in a beautiful and haunting way, reminiscent of the original works.
I've never seen colored marble as the background for silhouette illustrations, but the result is striking and beautiful! The figures themselves are highly stylized, and Pienkowski's execution of the action from the sideways perspective of his characters makes the stories feel almost like a play unfolding on the glossy pages of the book.
Some pages are stunning while others are more simple and elegant, but the whole work is definitely worth a look!
March 7, 2016
While there is no shortage of fairy tales in various forms of media, this edition stands out for its outstanding take by its enchanting depiction of the tales done in silhouette form. Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Cinderella are faithfully translated from their original French and German. The illustrations that accompany each tale adds a wonderful addition to the story with its quirky sense of humor, although anyone who is familiar with the original tales knows that there was no lack of violence and horror to be found throughout the stories.
If you are a lover of fairy tales, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. Definitely a wonderful addition to your library.
If you are a lover of fairy tales, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book. Definitely a wonderful addition to your library.
August 30, 2018
Growing up I remember devouring books filled with fairy tales and mythology. It provided an escape from the otherwise, boring and dull world. It infused my imagination with dragons, wicked witches, and evil stepmothers along with the theory of "happily ever after". This book has the original retelling of "Snow White," "Sleeping Beauty," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Cinderella." Each of the stories is illustrated with silhouettes on top of marbelized backgrounds. I enjoyed reading the original versions of each of these classics but, I wasn't a fan of the artwork. Overall, an enjoyable book for any fairy tale fan who has not read the original story.
June 16, 2008
The contents:
Sleeping Beauty from the Brothers Grimm
Snow White from the Brothers Grimm
Hansel and Gretel from the Brothers Grimm; and
Cinderella from Charles Perrault
These familiar stories are beautifully illustrated by Jan Pienkowski. A superb edition to get hold of and a joy for both young and older. I would say a joy for both young and young at heart, but that's overworn by many a dire hack in newspapers worldwide by now.
Suffice to say, if a sampling of classic fairy tales is on your shopping or reading list, you ould do little better than this volume.
Sleeping Beauty from the Brothers Grimm
Snow White from the Brothers Grimm
Hansel and Gretel from the Brothers Grimm; and
Cinderella from Charles Perrault
These familiar stories are beautifully illustrated by Jan Pienkowski. A superb edition to get hold of and a joy for both young and older. I would say a joy for both young and young at heart, but that's overworn by many a dire hack in newspapers worldwide by now.
Suffice to say, if a sampling of classic fairy tales is on your shopping or reading list, you ould do little better than this volume.
February 17, 2009
Very cool! I chanced upon this book accidentally when I was at the library. I went to one of the search computers to look for something else and someone's previous search had been left on the screen...they had done a search for fairy tales and this was one of the first listed.
It retells the Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping beauty stories, how they were originally told. They are translated from their French and German languages and kept true to the original stories. The illustrations are awesome, all done in silhouettes... I read the book in one short sitting...
It retells the Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Sleeping beauty stories, how they were originally told. They are translated from their French and German languages and kept true to the original stories. The illustrations are awesome, all done in silhouettes... I read the book in one short sitting...
September 1, 2009
I love the quirky elegance of this book. Pienkowski has created a gorgeous series of paper-cuttings of scenes that inhabit a lot of emotional space for us -- fairy tale worlds. They're the classic stories -- Cinderella, Snow White, etc. What really makes the book special is the illustrations, and how they're set against these beautiful backgrounds -- swirly paint, scratchy skies. Everything contributes to the beauty and depth of this book.
November 20, 2009
I loved the illustrations--all inked profiles. This book includes the Grimm Brothers versions of Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Charles Perrault's version of Cinderella is also included, which is a much gentler version than the Grimm one. The book is definitely worth taking a look at for the art work alone.
October 10, 2008
I could look at the intricate silhouette illustrations every day, all day. You can find a link to view a sample page here: http://www.janpienkowski.com/books/si...
I love how the fairy tales still retain their truthful, hard edges.
Highly recommended.
I love how the fairy tales still retain their truthful, hard edges.
Highly recommended.
February 18, 2011
After reading numerous editions of The Sleeping Beauty, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of fairy tales. The dark silhouette's combined with jewel tones really capture the essence of the story. It strays far from the Disney versions and returns more to the original versions.
April 9, 2012
Read these fairy tales with our four year old daughter. We would read one or two stories a night. At first she called it the "scary book" because of the style of pictures but she really enjoyed reading the tales with us. Definitely fun for longer bedtime stories.
October 10, 2015
A beautiful, dramatically illustrated collection of four famous fairy tales: "Sleeping Beauty," "Snow White," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Cinderella." The Fairy Tales would make a fantastic gift, whether it be as a read-aloud book for parent and child, or simply a stunning keepsake.
September 3, 2008
This is a collection of classic fairy tales that have not been watered-down from the original versions. The illustrations are amazingly detailed.
May 2, 2012
Love the gold pages - a book I'll be keeping for a very long time.
August 1, 2010
Illustration are superb!!
October 11, 2010
This would be a great bedtime or family reading book; everyone should hear the classic fairy tales.
July 27, 2016
Classic fairy tales at its best! ^_^ Fun to read and the silhouetted illustrations were very cool.
December 20, 2011
a great book, illustrations are beautiful it was a very nice book.
February 6, 2013
An incredibly gothic but gorgeous illustrated book of four classics. Perfect for young and old alike.
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December 8, 2025In addition to my newfound love for Jan Pieńkowski, David Walser has charmed me.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews