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El gran libro verde
Un niño llamado Jack descubre un gran libro verde de magia en el ático y aprende todo tipo de hechizos: ¡hechizos para cambiar el aspecto de las cosas, hechizos para hacerlo viejo y gris o desaparecer por completo! Jack aprovecha al máximo sus nuevos poderes mágicos, y su pobre tía y tío están bastante desconcertados. Este cuento encantador del conocido autor británico Robert Graves está magistralmente ilustrado por Maurice Sendak, siete veces galardonado con el Premio Caldecott de Honor, ganador del National Book Award y el creador ganador de la Medalla Caldecott de Where the Wild Things Are.
66 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
1 person is currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Robert Graves
638 books2,061 followersRobert von Ranke Graves was an English poet, soldier, historical novelist and critic. Born in Wimbledon, he received his early education at King's College School and Copthorne Prep School, Wimbledon & Charterhouse School and won a scholarship to St John's College, Oxford. While at Charterhouse in 1912, he fell in love with G.H. Johnstone, a boy of fourteen ("Dick" in Goodbye to All That) When challenged by the headmaster he defended himself by citing Plato, Greek poets, Michelangelo & Shakespeare, "who had felt as I did".
At the outbreak of WWI, Graves enlisted almost immediately, taking a commission in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He published his first volume of poems, Over the Brazier, in 1916. He developed an early reputation as a war poet and was one of the first to write realistic poems about his experience of front line conflict. In later years he omitted war poems from his collections, on the grounds that they were too obviously "part of the war poetry boom". At the Battle of the Somme he was so badly wounded by a shell-fragment through the lung that he was expected to die, and indeed was officially reported as 'died of wounds'. He gradually recovered. Apart from a brief spell back in France, he spent the rest of the war in England.
One of Graves's closest friends at this time was the poet Siegfried Sassoon, who was also an officer in the RWF. In 1917 Sassoon tried to rebel against the war by making a public anti-war statement. Graves, who feared Sassoon could face a court martial, intervened with the military authorities and persuaded them that he was suffering from shell shock, and to treat him accordingly. Graves also suffered from shell shock, or neurasthenia as it is sometimes called, although he was never hospitalised for it.
Biographers document the story well. It is fictionalised in Pat Barker's novel Regeneration. The intensity of their early relationship is nowhere demonstrated more clearly than in Graves's collection Fairies & Fusiliers (1917), which contains a plethora of poems celebrating their friendship. Through Sassoon, he also became friends with Wilfred Owen, whose talent he recognised. Owen attended Graves's wedding to Nancy Nicholson in 1918, presenting him with, as Graves recalled, "a set of 12 Apostle spoons".
Following his marriage and the end of the war, Graves belatedly took up his place at St John's College, Oxford. He later attempted to make a living by running a small shop, but the business failed. In 1926 he took up a post at Cairo University, accompanied by his wife, their children and the poet Laura Riding. He returned to London briefly, where he split with his wife under highly emotional circumstances before leaving to live with Riding in Deià, Majorca. There they continued to publish letterpress books under the rubric of the Seizin Press, founded and edited the literary journal Epilogue, and wrote two successful academic books together: A Survey of Modernist Poetry (1927) and A Pamphlet Against Anthologies (1928).
In 1927, he published Lawrence and the Arabs, a commercially successful biography of T.E. Lawrence. Good-bye to All That (1929, revised and republished in 1957) proved a success but cost him many of his friends, notably Sassoon. In 1934 he published his most commercially successful work, I, Claudius. Using classical sources he constructed a complexly compelling tale of the life of the Roman emperor Claudius, a tale extended in Claudius the God (1935). Another historical novel by Graves, Count Belisarius (1938), recounts the career of the Byzantine general Belisarius.
During the early 1970s Graves began to suffer from increasingly severe memory loss, and by his eightieth birthday in 1975 he had come to the end of his working life. By 1975 he had published more than 140 works. He survived for ten more years in an increasingly dependent condition until he died from heart
At the outbreak of WWI, Graves enlisted almost immediately, taking a commission in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He published his first volume of poems, Over the Brazier, in 1916. He developed an early reputation as a war poet and was one of the first to write realistic poems about his experience of front line conflict. In later years he omitted war poems from his collections, on the grounds that they were too obviously "part of the war poetry boom". At the Battle of the Somme he was so badly wounded by a shell-fragment through the lung that he was expected to die, and indeed was officially reported as 'died of wounds'. He gradually recovered. Apart from a brief spell back in France, he spent the rest of the war in England.
One of Graves's closest friends at this time was the poet Siegfried Sassoon, who was also an officer in the RWF. In 1917 Sassoon tried to rebel against the war by making a public anti-war statement. Graves, who feared Sassoon could face a court martial, intervened with the military authorities and persuaded them that he was suffering from shell shock, and to treat him accordingly. Graves also suffered from shell shock, or neurasthenia as it is sometimes called, although he was never hospitalised for it.
Biographers document the story well. It is fictionalised in Pat Barker's novel Regeneration. The intensity of their early relationship is nowhere demonstrated more clearly than in Graves's collection Fairies & Fusiliers (1917), which contains a plethora of poems celebrating their friendship. Through Sassoon, he also became friends with Wilfred Owen, whose talent he recognised. Owen attended Graves's wedding to Nancy Nicholson in 1918, presenting him with, as Graves recalled, "a set of 12 Apostle spoons".
Following his marriage and the end of the war, Graves belatedly took up his place at St John's College, Oxford. He later attempted to make a living by running a small shop, but the business failed. In 1926 he took up a post at Cairo University, accompanied by his wife, their children and the poet Laura Riding. He returned to London briefly, where he split with his wife under highly emotional circumstances before leaving to live with Riding in Deià, Majorca. There they continued to publish letterpress books under the rubric of the Seizin Press, founded and edited the literary journal Epilogue, and wrote two successful academic books together: A Survey of Modernist Poetry (1927) and A Pamphlet Against Anthologies (1928).
In 1927, he published Lawrence and the Arabs, a commercially successful biography of T.E. Lawrence. Good-bye to All That (1929, revised and republished in 1957) proved a success but cost him many of his friends, notably Sassoon. In 1934 he published his most commercially successful work, I, Claudius. Using classical sources he constructed a complexly compelling tale of the life of the Roman emperor Claudius, a tale extended in Claudius the God (1935). Another historical novel by Graves, Count Belisarius (1938), recounts the career of the Byzantine general Belisarius.
During the early 1970s Graves began to suffer from increasingly severe memory loss, and by his eightieth birthday in 1975 he had come to the end of his working life. By 1975 he had published more than 140 works. He survived for ten more years in an increasingly dependent condition until he died from heart
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 30, 2015
This was such an unusual read and I think that the only reason that I haven't given it a higher rating (Graves & Sendak in the same place is a delight) is because the adults get a bad press! Graves isn't really known for his work for children but rather I, Claudius and The Greek Myths: Vol. 1 This a transgressive story of a lad who's rather spoilt and is annoyed at his uncle and aunt for consistently badgering. He's also fed up of their rabbit-chasing dog (who's very cute in the illustrations). What IS very interesting is that the locations that Sendak uses in his pictures are the same locations that Beatrix Potter uses in her own work. Perhaps, the same cheeky attitude of the boy in the book is mirrored by Sendak's own cheeky attitude of stealing images and place from Potter herself.
September 22, 2024
Mucho más fascinado por las ilustraciones que por la narración de Graves, que es bonita aunque no impresionante.
March 21, 2021
Muy Roald Dahl, me ha encantado y sí, es el mismo de Yo, Claudio ^_^
November 24, 2020
Pop quiz! What do the following artists have in common?
Robert Graves
Andy Warhol
Edward Steichen
Oscar Wilde
Ken Kesey
Langston Hughes
Truman Capote
Gertrude Stein
Eudora Welty
James Baldwin
Umberto Eco
Answer: they all wrote children's books. Most of them are not very good - don't even bother to look at Ernest Hemingway's pathetic attempt - but Robert Graves, lucky man, got paired with young Maurice Sendak as his illustrator (I suspect it was Ursula Nordstrom who matched them up). The result is a charming bit of silliness involving a boy showing up his goofy aunt and uncle. Sendak's illustrations bring the text alive - without him, we would only read this as an historic curiosity in Graves' oeuvre.
Robert Graves
Andy Warhol
Edward Steichen
Oscar Wilde
Ken Kesey
Langston Hughes
Truman Capote
Gertrude Stein
Eudora Welty
James Baldwin
Umberto Eco
Answer: they all wrote children's books. Most of them are not very good - don't even bother to look at Ernest Hemingway's pathetic attempt - but Robert Graves, lucky man, got paired with young Maurice Sendak as his illustrator (I suspect it was Ursula Nordstrom who matched them up). The result is a charming bit of silliness involving a boy showing up his goofy aunt and uncle. Sendak's illustrations bring the text alive - without him, we would only read this as an historic curiosity in Graves' oeuvre.
July 13, 2019
An orphaned child named Jack finds a big green book in his aunt's and uncle's attic, and learns magic, and other tricks. He turns himself into an old man, and uses his magic to bewilder and taunt his aunt and uncle, but in the end decides to use his magic for better and useful things.
December 25, 2018
Solid 3.5. The illustrations are the highlight here as the story is definitely a strange one and does not really entice repeated readings (unless you're actually attempting to generate a thorough analysis of this text).
February 3, 2019
Another addition to my knowledge of children's books published in the mid 60's/70's.
They are like fairytales, with grim detail to the children's/parent's choices and their consequences.
Another similarity is the setting of the story with a door to the magical lands.
Loved this story, and it has been a while since I read something like this because it's so hard to find.
They are like fairytales, with grim detail to the children's/parent's choices and their consequences.
Another similarity is the setting of the story with a door to the magical lands.
Loved this story, and it has been a while since I read something like this because it's so hard to find.
August 27, 2012
I hope to do a more complete review once I find my copy and read it again. Until then, this will have to do.
The small boy finds a big green book in his house's attic that holds all sorts of spells and enchantments. With his parents out of the house, he begins practicing and then uses what he knows to play mean tricks on his parents when they return. He does this disguised so they don't know it him. I can't remember how this is resolved but given I like it with that premise, it was done so pretty well. This is an extremely odd little book (and given what else Maurice Sendak has done, that's saying something). However, the drawings are excellent and the story is quirky and interesting.
I would suggest giving this a try. If you are a Sendak fan, this is a definite must.
The small boy finds a big green book in his house's attic that holds all sorts of spells and enchantments. With his parents out of the house, he begins practicing and then uses what he knows to play mean tricks on his parents when they return. He does this disguised so they don't know it him. I can't remember how this is resolved but given I like it with that premise, it was done so pretty well. This is an extremely odd little book (and given what else Maurice Sendak has done, that's saying something). However, the drawings are excellent and the story is quirky and interesting.
I would suggest giving this a try. If you are a Sendak fan, this is a definite must.
December 11, 2020
Muy entretenido, aunque pobre perro 😂
July 26, 2021
Looking for a children's book? I heartily recommend this one. This is an old book so you're not liable to find it on the shelves of your favorite indie bookstore. You'll have to order it.
Jack's parents are dead and he's being raised by quite indifferent aunt and uncle. They have a gigantic sheepdog which chases rabbits. All they seem to do is go for long walks in the woods while wildly overdressed and generally ignore Jack. Plus, the sheepdog chases rabbits.
One day, while in the attic, Jack finds a book of magic spells. He uses the spells contained therein to cause his aunt and uncle to change and to get the dog to stop chasing rabbits. It would be arrogant of me to tell you how. You should get this book and read it.
This is utterly delightful and the illustrations by Maurice Sendak contribute to that delight.
I don't often recommend books because my taste can be, well, eclectic, but this book is magical.
Jack's parents are dead and he's being raised by quite indifferent aunt and uncle. They have a gigantic sheepdog which chases rabbits. All they seem to do is go for long walks in the woods while wildly overdressed and generally ignore Jack. Plus, the sheepdog chases rabbits.
One day, while in the attic, Jack finds a book of magic spells. He uses the spells contained therein to cause his aunt and uncle to change and to get the dog to stop chasing rabbits. It would be arrogant of me to tell you how. You should get this book and read it.
This is utterly delightful and the illustrations by Maurice Sendak contribute to that delight.
I don't often recommend books because my taste can be, well, eclectic, but this book is magical.
November 19, 2022
When I learned poet Robert Graves had written one children’s book, I knew I would like to read it. Graves wrote The Big Green Book and illustrated by Maurice Sendak. The story is simple. It features a boy named Jack who lives with his rather dour aunt and uncle. When Jack explores in the attic, he finds the big green book which is full of magical spells. The first spell Jack uses is to make himself into an old, gray-haired man, leaving his aunt and uncle completely flummoxed about where Jack has gone. The story is delightful, and children and adults will enjoy the story and the illustrations.
January 27, 2019
Jack becomes annoyed with his aunt and uncle because they take him on walks instead of letting him do what he wants. When he finds a magic book in the attic, he decides to play strange tricks on them. The boy casts using magic to cause his uncle’s fingernails to grow into his hand. The elaborate illustrations created in Sendak’s unique style add interest to the story and bring the characters to life.
May 9, 2021
Believe it or not, I just picked this up in a bargain bin at Giant Eagle. Certainly not the place I expected to find a delightfully strange children's story about a kid with a magical book. The illustrations were delightful, and while the adults were stupider than a sack of doorknobs, I didn't think they were nearly as bad as the book seemed to imply they were. Either way, it was very amusing and I'm really glad I bought it, since I will definitely read it again.
January 8, 2023
This book was a wild ride and went in so many ways that I did not expect. The book is kind of macabre and Jack was a real jerk. I did not miss the pea joke. From the look on the Uncle's face he did not miss it either.
I think my favourite part of this book was the anti-gambling message.
The book was crazy and it was also astounding to me that this was a children's book back in the day. Wild!
I think my favourite part of this book was the anti-gambling message.
The book was crazy and it was also astounding to me that this was a children's book back in the day. Wild!
March 12, 2018
3.5 stars. I liked a lot the art and some parts of the story. With others, the young hero seemed selfish and mean, which decreased my pleasure during the read. The magic was a nice idea and gave a special touch to the book.
July 18, 2018
Jack lives with his aunt and uncle, but feels a bit ignored. When he discovers a big green book Jack finds a way to change how he is treated. A fun magical tale with wonderful illustrations by Maurice Sendak.
July 13, 2019
This is kind of a mean story. Orphan Jack lives with his aunt and uncle. Who he doesn't like, although the problem is that they make him go for walks with them. One day Jack finds a magic book of spells in the attic. He changes himself into an old man and plays tricks on his aunt and uncle.
December 25, 2018
Reissue, originally published in 1962.
November 16, 2019
Magic, gambling, silly,
January 31, 2021
The story is silly to a fault but the illustrations are cute enough to make up for it.
June 14, 2022
This book will make everyone love dogs!
June 15, 2022
I thought the story itself was meh, but the illustrations are fabulous, as I’ve come to expect from Sendak.
August 7, 2022
Magic and mischief!
A great book to read aloud with an inquisitive young person.
A great book to read aloud with an inquisitive young person.
May 1, 2023
What a nasty little boy.
August 27, 2023
a boy discovers a magic book - delightful
November 20, 2023
The stars are only for the illustrations, which are as good as you’d hope for. I feel a dull book, even with great pictures, remains a dull book. The images are the only reason to read this.
March 3, 2025
Short and fun.
May 3, 2020
Although immensely prolific in his output, illustrator Maurice Sendak is best remembered only for “Where the Wild things are”. It is easily Sendak’s best work and a classic that has stood the test of time. If you’re really lucky you may also recall “in the Night Kitchen” too…
PRH have been publishing some lesser known books and rediscovering these forgotten gems is a real treat. Following on from the delightful “Higglety Pigglety Pop!” and the cheeky “Some Swell Pup” and “Hector Protector /As I Went Over The Water” this time we have a 1962 tale written by Robert Graves, of I Claudius and WWI poetry fame.
It’s a truly magical tale and one that should delight children, parents and grandparents alike.
With more reissues of Little Bear book series on the horizon and King Grisly-Beard out next year it is well worth catching up on these and bringing to a new generation to enjoy.
PRH have been publishing some lesser known books and rediscovering these forgotten gems is a real treat. Following on from the delightful “Higglety Pigglety Pop!” and the cheeky “Some Swell Pup” and “Hector Protector /As I Went Over The Water” this time we have a 1962 tale written by Robert Graves, of I Claudius and WWI poetry fame.
It’s a truly magical tale and one that should delight children, parents and grandparents alike.
With more reissues of Little Bear book series on the horizon and King Grisly-Beard out next year it is well worth catching up on these and bringing to a new generation to enjoy.
July 6, 2023
Don't be fooled by its presentation as an innocent children's book: this is not.
Maybe hence I enjoy reading it even more than my kids do.
At first, you don't realize, but after a few reads surfaces the utmost cruelty of some passages --like the card game or the rabbit-chasing-- and it reveals in a roundabout way that books are more often than not a question of life and death.
Illustrations are of masterly execution, and their moodiness add to the overall bad temper of the book.
There's also joy, though, and exhilaration; but always covered in a mist of revenge and ill will.
I'll keep a copy forever.
Maybe hence I enjoy reading it even more than my kids do.
At first, you don't realize, but after a few reads surfaces the utmost cruelty of some passages --like the card game or the rabbit-chasing-- and it reveals in a roundabout way that books are more often than not a question of life and death.
Illustrations are of masterly execution, and their moodiness add to the overall bad temper of the book.
There's also joy, though, and exhilaration; but always covered in a mist of revenge and ill will.
I'll keep a copy forever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews