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Violet and Victor
Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale
Violet and Victor work together to write a truly enchanted tale! Violet is determined to write the most fabulous fairy tale that has ever been imagined! Her twin, Victor, is not in the mood for make-believe. "I was born in a castle!" Violet says. "You were born in a hospital," Victor replies. But when an evil witch arrives in Violet's story, will Victor help write an ending that saves the day? Join the twins on an adventure through Fairy Tale Kingdom as they celebrate the joy of storytelling and reading!
41 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2016
2 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Alice Kuipers
24 books358 followers
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I was born in London, England, and I moved to Canada in 2003 when I fell in love with a Canadian. We live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, which took a while for me to learn how to spell. I have four children, a girl and three boys.
My first novel, Life on the Refrigerator Door, was published in 29 countries, won several awards and was named as a New York Times book for the Teen Age. My second is called Lost For Words in the US, and The Worst Thing She Ever Did everywhere else. It won the Arthur Ellis Award, was shortlisted for the White Pine and Willow Awards, and was published in eight territories. 40 Things I Want To Tell You is my YA book published in 2012. The Death of Us, a CLA honour book, in 2014. My newest YA novel is Me (and) Me.
Violet and Victor Write the Best-Ever Bookworm Book is my first picture book. It was published with Little, Brown Books For Young Readers in December 2014, and the sequel Violet and Victor Write The Most Fabulous Fairy Tale is available now.
Find me at www.alicekuipers.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 10, 2018
This is a really weird book for me, because I loved the illustrations, but absolutely hated the story. Actually, the story itself wasn't bad; it was the characters that really ruined it for me.
Victor is a pedantic little twit who keeps trying to ruin Violet's fairy tale. She ends up salvaging it only by stroking his fragile male ego (making him a prince in the story and letting him have his way). I was pretty appalled, actually; this is a children's book that seems to teach that girls should defer to the wishes of the males in their lives. What makes it even worse is that Violet's the older twin; so, basically, she's teaching her little brother that he can be a brat and get away with it because women will always let him win.
No thanks. The story is definitely not for me. But the illustrations... See, this is where I'm conflicted. They are so colourful, creative, and interesting that I just wanted to keep looking at the pages. The illustrator used a variety of techniques, and the note at the end explains how she was inspired by European as well as Australian Aboriginal artwork to come up with the pictures for the book. I've never seen anything quite like it, and I loved the overall look of the book.
So it was really a mixed bag for me. As it was, it just seemed like a great example of male fragility and how our society teaches girls to coddle it... which is not a message I want to see in children's books.
Victor is a pedantic little twit who keeps trying to ruin Violet's fairy tale. She ends up salvaging it only by stroking his fragile male ego (making him a prince in the story and letting him have his way). I was pretty appalled, actually; this is a children's book that seems to teach that girls should defer to the wishes of the males in their lives. What makes it even worse is that Violet's the older twin; so, basically, she's teaching her little brother that he can be a brat and get away with it because women will always let him win.
No thanks. The story is definitely not for me. But the illustrations... See, this is where I'm conflicted. They are so colourful, creative, and interesting that I just wanted to keep looking at the pages. The illustrator used a variety of techniques, and the note at the end explains how she was inspired by European as well as Australian Aboriginal artwork to come up with the pictures for the book. I've never seen anything quite like it, and I loved the overall look of the book.
So it was really a mixed bag for me. As it was, it just seemed like a great example of male fragility and how our society teaches girls to coddle it... which is not a message I want to see in children's books.
June 7, 2016
Violet and Victor argue about what the best things to write about are, (fairy tales! Australian animals!) thereby deforming the text of the story, and eventually work together to use the power of story to reform a witch. It's hilarious and adorable and beautifully illustrated. A++.
February 28, 2024
Violet and Victor are twins with very different interests. Violet wants to write a fairy tale, but Victor wants to do a project on Australian animals. As Violet tries to write, Victor keeps trying to change the story. Eventually, with a little compromise on both sides, Violet's story becomes a fairy tale for the ages.
The illustrations are absolutely amazing and I enjoyed the way the kids bickered like siblings do, but the came together in the end to create something beautiful. The quote bubbles will make this a little hard to use in story time, but I might try it anyway because I love the creative take on fairy tales.
The illustrations are absolutely amazing and I enjoyed the way the kids bickered like siblings do, but the came together in the end to create something beautiful. The quote bubbles will make this a little hard to use in story time, but I might try it anyway because I love the creative take on fairy tales.
March 23, 2016
As a parent of two little bookworms, I don’t think I can ever have enough books to satiate my children’s appetite for stories. I can use the local library but what happens when a newly found book quickly becomes a bedtime favourite? I end up buying it anyway to avoid tears when it’s due back, and also to avoid falling afoul of the local library’s policy of not blocking a book for months at a time from other kids in the area. That’s one reason why my house is so full of books!
So I was delighted when I won the Goodreads giveaway for “Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairytale” by Alice Kuipers. There are quite a few children’s books offered for giveaway on Goodreads, but very few have really grabbed my attention in the 1½ years I have been a member. When I saw this book being offered in the competition, I though the cover looked very interesting so I researched it online and saw some hints of the artwork which sold me on it immediately.
That old saying of “never judge a book by a cover” is absolute nonsense, as there is no excuse for a good book having a bad cover. Ever! The cover of this one drops major hints to the wonders inside, and I can confirm that the artwork is sublime; a really amazing blend of paper-craft, handwritten notes and cute sketches, which somehow reminded me of the PS3 game Little Big Planet - take a bow Bethanie Murguia!!
And the story? Well, I am not only a dad, but I am also a brother, so I know that annoying your sister is one of the greatest parts of growing up! Kuipers has created a believable set of kids in Violet and Victor, who reminded me of the constant one-upmanship my sister and I employed throughout childhood.
Victor challenges the sweetness of Violet’s story, throwing a scary witch into the sweet fairytale world Violet originally intended. Violet’s creativity shines through as she finds a way of not only brining a reluctant Victor into the story, but with him turning it into a happy ever after like she always planned.
The kids loved it, and it has joined a pretty selective group of tales which will never be boxed up, hidden away in a cupboard or gifted to the local charity shop. It also really helps that I enjoy reading it, and I especially love the way it inspires my kids together to unleash their creativity in their own stories without fear.
I will be seeking out the other V&V tale, “The Best Ever Bookworm Book” to complete the collection.
So I was delighted when I won the Goodreads giveaway for “Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairytale” by Alice Kuipers. There are quite a few children’s books offered for giveaway on Goodreads, but very few have really grabbed my attention in the 1½ years I have been a member. When I saw this book being offered in the competition, I though the cover looked very interesting so I researched it online and saw some hints of the artwork which sold me on it immediately.
That old saying of “never judge a book by a cover” is absolute nonsense, as there is no excuse for a good book having a bad cover. Ever! The cover of this one drops major hints to the wonders inside, and I can confirm that the artwork is sublime; a really amazing blend of paper-craft, handwritten notes and cute sketches, which somehow reminded me of the PS3 game Little Big Planet - take a bow Bethanie Murguia!!
And the story? Well, I am not only a dad, but I am also a brother, so I know that annoying your sister is one of the greatest parts of growing up! Kuipers has created a believable set of kids in Violet and Victor, who reminded me of the constant one-upmanship my sister and I employed throughout childhood.
Victor challenges the sweetness of Violet’s story, throwing a scary witch into the sweet fairytale world Violet originally intended. Violet’s creativity shines through as she finds a way of not only brining a reluctant Victor into the story, but with him turning it into a happy ever after like she always planned.
The kids loved it, and it has joined a pretty selective group of tales which will never be boxed up, hidden away in a cupboard or gifted to the local charity shop. It also really helps that I enjoy reading it, and I especially love the way it inspires my kids together to unleash their creativity in their own stories without fear.
I will be seeking out the other V&V tale, “The Best Ever Bookworm Book” to complete the collection.
February 11, 2016
VIOLET AND VICTOR WRITE THE MOST FABULOUS FAIRY TALE by Alice Kuipers is a beautifully illustrated picture book about twins who write a fairy tale together.
When Violet begins writing a fairytale, her twin Victor joins in with helpful and not-so-helpful ideas and advise. While Violet writes about fictional creatures in a marvelous kingdom, Victor prefers to weave in Australian animals and a wicked witch.
The unusual, mixed media illustrations use rich blues and purples to create a fascinating imaginary world. Different text colors denote the narrator and easy-to-read, handwritten sheets feature the twins’ creative writing.
Librarians will find that the attractive cover and cute storyline will make this a popular picture book. Young readers will enjoy the sibling banter and humorous situations, while teachers will appreciate the author’s nod to the writing process and the twins’ use of vivid vocabulary.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alicekuipers.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.aquapup.com/.
Published by Little, Brown, and Company, an imprint of Hachette on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
When Violet begins writing a fairytale, her twin Victor joins in with helpful and not-so-helpful ideas and advise. While Violet writes about fictional creatures in a marvelous kingdom, Victor prefers to weave in Australian animals and a wicked witch.
The unusual, mixed media illustrations use rich blues and purples to create a fascinating imaginary world. Different text colors denote the narrator and easy-to-read, handwritten sheets feature the twins’ creative writing.
Librarians will find that the attractive cover and cute storyline will make this a popular picture book. Young readers will enjoy the sibling banter and humorous situations, while teachers will appreciate the author’s nod to the writing process and the twins’ use of vivid vocabulary.
To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alicekuipers.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.aquapup.com/.
Published by Little, Brown, and Company, an imprint of Hachette on January 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.
February 29, 2016
This was super cute, and would be a great storytime read, especially if you can grab a second person to read as the other character.
June 16, 2016
Always a fan of Kuipers. These illustrations really brought the story to life. A lot of different materials were used to create them. It was magically to view and to read.
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February 4, 2020Summary: Violet and Victor Write the Most Fabulous Fairy Tale is about a set of twins who have various disagreements among the book where Victor tries to interrupt Violet's imagination. He only believes in the fictional objects whereas Violet is obviously a dreamer. They get to the end of the book where Violet writes a very happy ending that celebrates a witch and lets her eat cake.
Review: I think this book was neat. I really loved the illustrations and the inclusion of the children's writing on notebook paper in order to keep the book looking like the characters were actually writing it. I think the arguments were cute and in fact funny.
Connection to Profession: This book can truly promote sharing amongst two siblings and giving each other a chance to write something that can be magical. I think all siblings should share this special bond and give each other a chance to add in to each other's imagination.
Review: I think this book was neat. I really loved the illustrations and the inclusion of the children's writing on notebook paper in order to keep the book looking like the characters were actually writing it. I think the arguments were cute and in fact funny.
Connection to Profession: This book can truly promote sharing amongst two siblings and giving each other a chance to write something that can be magical. I think all siblings should share this special bond and give each other a chance to add in to each other's imagination.
May 24, 2017
I LOVED the illustrations, especially after reading the artist's explanations behind her choices. The story is also a great example of how kids can work together to create something great rather than fighting each other and getting frustrated.
February 21, 2019
I like it, it's cute, the idea is great, the execution worked. The only thing that bugged me was it was a little too much "this is what boys read" and "this is what girls read" and I am way way over that.
February 11, 2017
I thought girls didn't have to be saved by boys anymore. Very disappointed!
Wonderfully illustrated.
Wonderfully illustrated.
June 1, 2017
Creative multimedia art. Violet and Victor contribute to the progression of the story. I thought the overall plot fell a bit flat.
October 12, 2017
I loved the artwork and enjoyed the sibling relationship in this book.
I also like stories about children creating stories.
Kids enjoyed it and wanted to read through it again.
I also like stories about children creating stories.
Kids enjoyed it and wanted to read through it again.
March 12, 2018
a fun story about twins violet and victor trying to share in writing a fun and best ever fairytale!
March 17, 2018
Charming take on collaborative storytelling. Particularly lovely illustrations and illustrator’s note at the end.
March 23, 2018
The twins work together to create a story that includes fairy tale elements and adventure.
June 26, 2018
Twins write a fairy tale together despite one of them being (initially) more enthusiastic than the other.
July 20, 2018
A great mentor text to talk about the genre of fairy tales and how to write them. See review about Violet and Victor and the Bookworm Book for more details about how these books are written.
September 3, 2018
Violet and Victor are twins. Victor kept interrupting Violet when she was writing a fairy tale, and he changed it. They had to learn to work together.
August 22, 2021
Loved the illustrations!
December 28, 2022
So adorable! It was cute how they ended up sharing the story.
January 28, 2016
Just like the first Violet and Victor book, this one is growing on us. We like how it starts out in a familiar way (I'm Violet Small and I'm six minutes older...). Victor is the favoured character of my six-year old son. They share a common love of precision. The plot is wonderful - two little people arguing from opposite premises about how to write a fairy tale. We wonder what they will write next. A mystery? Memoir? Western? Or perhaps a haiku? Chiasmus?
As in the last book, the 'FolderOver' story mechanism where Victor and Violet take turns putting pencil to paper is amusing and really develops their distinct personalities. Our kids see a lot of themselves in the two. We liked how Violet made mistakes and re-wrote her witch story to make it better. We like how Victor challenged her veracity. It began a conversation in our house about it being okay and normal to try new things and make mistakes; that was all part of learning.
There were a few things that detracted; some of the word choices felt unusual to us. We questioned the word 'gleaming' to describe a castle. To us, a castle is majestic, enormous, impregnable, towering, gloomy, or magical. We didn't find Victor to be 'grouchy'. Maybe Violet was projecting? We collect or harvest oysters, not 'fish' for them and the Victor we know would have wanted to get that right, we think?
The art in the book is phenomenal. There is just so much to look at that my children have been staring at the pages one-by-one and crying out at each new sight ("the soles of Violet's shoes look like peanuts Mom!" and "I'm scared of the reaper's fingers Mom!"). The undersea section is delightful with the waves, currents and various sea creatures rolling across the intricately speckled pages. But in two cases, it is too much. Early on, we lose the 'Ahem' to the art, and then the 'Stop' and 'Why' interjections get eclipsed by the bits on the ruled notebook boxes and the busy background. I have to force myself to include those words.
In short, we are growing attached to the characters and are committed to following them through their next adventures in writing. Violet's increasing confidence is inspiring our daughter. Victor's thirst for knowledge is inspiring our son. Kuipers' writing is inspiring conversation about conscientiousness in our house. It's a winning combination.
As in the last book, the 'FolderOver' story mechanism where Victor and Violet take turns putting pencil to paper is amusing and really develops their distinct personalities. Our kids see a lot of themselves in the two. We liked how Violet made mistakes and re-wrote her witch story to make it better. We like how Victor challenged her veracity. It began a conversation in our house about it being okay and normal to try new things and make mistakes; that was all part of learning.
There were a few things that detracted; some of the word choices felt unusual to us. We questioned the word 'gleaming' to describe a castle. To us, a castle is majestic, enormous, impregnable, towering, gloomy, or magical. We didn't find Victor to be 'grouchy'. Maybe Violet was projecting? We collect or harvest oysters, not 'fish' for them and the Victor we know would have wanted to get that right, we think?
The art in the book is phenomenal. There is just so much to look at that my children have been staring at the pages one-by-one and crying out at each new sight ("the soles of Violet's shoes look like peanuts Mom!" and "I'm scared of the reaper's fingers Mom!"). The undersea section is delightful with the waves, currents and various sea creatures rolling across the intricately speckled pages. But in two cases, it is too much. Early on, we lose the 'Ahem' to the art, and then the 'Stop' and 'Why' interjections get eclipsed by the bits on the ruled notebook boxes and the busy background. I have to force myself to include those words.
In short, we are growing attached to the characters and are committed to following them through their next adventures in writing. Violet's increasing confidence is inspiring our daughter. Victor's thirst for knowledge is inspiring our son. Kuipers' writing is inspiring conversation about conscientiousness in our house. It's a winning combination.
February 15, 2017
I'm a twin; they're twins. I love all things Australia; Victor loves all things Australia. I'm reading about fairy tales; they're writing about fairy tales. Preschool storytime is going to love this!
March 21, 2016
Amazing! I'd forgotten how great kids books could be! The illustrations are not just beautiful, but fit perfectly with the story. The story is not just cute, but it is fun and Violet and Victor are very believable siblings (probably believable twins too, but I don't have a twin so I'm a little fuzzier on those relationship dynamics).
My 5 year old loves the book, he was very into it when I read it to him last night and he has been carrying it around with him so far today.
I read it with different voices for Violet and Victor, and that helped him get the vibe of brother and sister dueling storytelling :)
Their story (within the story) is cute, also. It really might be the most fabulous fairy tale.
The cockatoo was my son's favorite part :)
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaways program.
My 5 year old loves the book, he was very into it when I read it to him last night and he has been carrying it around with him so far today.
I read it with different voices for Violet and Victor, and that helped him get the vibe of brother and sister dueling storytelling :)
Their story (within the story) is cute, also. It really might be the most fabulous fairy tale.
The cockatoo was my son's favorite part :)
I received this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaways program.
September 21, 2016
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
Violet and Victor are going to write the most fabulous fairy tale that has ever been imagined. That is, if they can agree.
Like the first Violet and Victor story, this one is essentially a book about writing a story and doing so as a team. Personally, the idea of writing a story with another person has always seemed rather scary because what happens when you don't always seem eye to eye. Violet and Victor certainly don't agree on how their story should be told. Like the first, I like the mixed media illustrations, the creativity, and the emphasis on what it takes to tell a good story.
Violet and Victor are going to write the most fabulous fairy tale that has ever been imagined. That is, if they can agree.
Like the first Violet and Victor story, this one is essentially a book about writing a story and doing so as a team. Personally, the idea of writing a story with another person has always seemed rather scary because what happens when you don't always seem eye to eye. Violet and Victor certainly don't agree on how their story should be told. Like the first, I like the mixed media illustrations, the creativity, and the emphasis on what it takes to tell a good story.
March 23, 2016
This is a delightful children's book that I got through Goodreads. I have several grandchildren who will enjoy this book when I pass it on.
The plot involves Violet who wants to write a fairytale with castles and witches while her twin brother want to write about Australia. The two end up going back and forth which creates an interesting story. I think it is typical of the thought process of a child--bouncing from topic to topic.
I also enjoyed the pictures. Violet and her part of the story is in purple while Victor's words are in orange. Also, there is an interesting map to go with Violet's tale. At the end of the book the author wrote of the use of dots in the illustrations. They related to Aboriginal art. It adds a nice aspect of education to an enjoyable children's story.
The plot involves Violet who wants to write a fairytale with castles and witches while her twin brother want to write about Australia. The two end up going back and forth which creates an interesting story. I think it is typical of the thought process of a child--bouncing from topic to topic.
I also enjoyed the pictures. Violet and her part of the story is in purple while Victor's words are in orange. Also, there is an interesting map to go with Violet's tale. At the end of the book the author wrote of the use of dots in the illustrations. They related to Aboriginal art. It adds a nice aspect of education to an enjoyable children's story.
January 27, 2016
Violet and Victor are twins. Violet wants to write a fabulous fairy tale, but her brother keeps interrupting her with his antagonistic "brotherly" comments. Victor asks if he can have a turn in writing the story, but she ignores him. He then begins interjecting his own story lines. The battle is on - brother and sister go back and forth changing each others lines to suit their own story. In the end, however, as the story progresses, they begin to collaborate more and more, creating a fabulous fairy tale with a great ending (hint.. it has to do with a witch).
This would be a great story to teach how to work together on a project; how collaborating can make things even better.
This would be a great story to teach how to work together on a project; how collaborating can make things even better.
March 10, 2016
Can imagination and logic work together? More importantly, can siblings work as a team? Violet and Victor are twins. Violet likes fairy tales. Victor prefers facts. Violet starts to tell a fabulous fairy tale but Victor keeps interrupting with his reality. Why write about pretend creatures such as unicorns when there are real amazing animals like quokkas from Australia? Once they cooperate, they create a truly "fabulous fairy tale". The story alone is wonderful, but the illustrations are just as incredible. How often do we get a picture book where the artist has used papier-mâché, cut-paper sculptures, twine, photography, and more? Fantastic!
April 28, 2016
A good example to show students literary elements of voice, revising, and metafiction. The boy's voice is factual and realistic while the girl's is fantastical and imaginary. The girl keeps trying to draw the boy into her make believe world and he points out all the unrealistic aspects of it. Once she starts tossing in facts, he begins to make-up a story with her about a witch. Toward the end the girl revises her version of the witch until she comes up with a mixture of the boy's or her twin brother's facts with a fantasy. The two also are commenting on the writing process revealing metafictional writing elements. Some of these are clunky when reading it out loud.
January 21, 2016
I'm always a sucker for a story within a story, but one about twins trying to outdo each other? Get out of town. The illustrations and artwork are fan-tas-tic! (Check out the library card pocket inside the back cover.) Plus, the different stories are told in dialogue as well as written format, with different colors for each storyteller. And if that's not enough, there's a twist at the end as well! An all-around winner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews