The Volcano

by Ivan Gantschev

Trouble comes to a beautiful island when an evil giant crab tries to destroy a volcano.

29 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1981

About the author

Ivan Gantschev (1925 – 2014) was a Bulgarian-German illustrator and author of children's books.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has the most incredible watercolor illustrations of volcanos. Something about the fluidity of the medium works really well for the explosive and unpredictable nature of the volcano. I don't know how Gantschev is able to make something so free look purposeful. I also love his depictions of turtles. In his blurb, Gantschev puts into words something that I have always felt to be true about kids books: "Perhaps we make children's books only for ourselves - because we enjoy doing them so much. Making picture books is the only opportunity that I have to express myself without frustration or compromise." I have always loved the wild creativity I see in picture books. I think people are willing to take risks when they are writing "just for kids" that they won't do when they are creating for adults. I hope I have the willingness to create fearless art regardless of my expected audience.