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The Vanities
The Cinderella legend takes a star turn in this imaginative and contemporary retelling of the familiar tale. Giselle is a savvy and stylish young woman with an unsurpassed talent for hairstyling. Orphaned in childhood, she has since been confined to the shadows of the palace by Carlotta, Delight, and Wilhelmina, three of the most narcissistic and vain denizens of the court. When the town ruler decides to end his reign, he proclaims a grand ball, where the citizen with the most amazing coiffure will be awarded the crown. The three divas squabble to have Giselle execute their creations, but when the contest day arrives, her masterpiece is concealed by a voluminous hood. In a stunning upset, she takes a stand against useless vanity and demonstrates to the townspeople that a true leader must never be victim to fashion. With one bold move Giselle changes her lot in life and transforms the very roots of society. The exquisite collages and extravagant gatefold pages in this volume will captivate readers of all ages while clever rhyming verses celebrate the power of being genuine.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
62 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2008
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 21, 2009
This book is a masterpiece in narrative poetry and collage.
Not knowing where to look and what to see, you remain numb while turning the pages.
Amazing illustrations...and a surprise awaits you at the end.
It's obvious that so much work and thinking was put in this book.
I wonder if the writer received any awards.
I received it today and I feel as if I have received a birthday gift
Not knowing where to look and what to see, you remain numb while turning the pages.
Amazing illustrations...and a surprise awaits you at the end.
It's obvious that so much work and thinking was put in this book.
I wonder if the writer received any awards.
I received it today and I feel as if I have received a birthday gift
September 15, 2010
Well reviewed. (www.denverlibrary.org)
Brains triumph over beauty in this fairy tale land where hair-dos are all the rage. When the king announces that whoever has the best hair will be the next ruler, the members of the township adorn their locks with everything from tea cups to asparagus, all the while carefully hiding away the one young lady who truly has the most exquisite hair. But this young lady is not to be underestimated, as she chooses to not only enter the contest, but bring the town's focus back to humanity and other important issues...by arriving to the competition ball bald.
A brilliant start to a lesson on collaging, also an excellent component to a fairy tales, or fractured fairy tales, unit for 2nd graders
Brains triumph over beauty in this fairy tale land where hair-dos are all the rage. When the king announces that whoever has the best hair will be the next ruler, the members of the township adorn their locks with everything from tea cups to asparagus, all the while carefully hiding away the one young lady who truly has the most exquisite hair. But this young lady is not to be underestimated, as she chooses to not only enter the contest, but bring the town's focus back to humanity and other important issues...by arriving to the competition ball bald.
A brilliant start to a lesson on collaging, also an excellent component to a fairy tales, or fractured fairy tales, unit for 2nd graders
August 12, 2008
While hard to categorize exactly, this is definitely a book to LOOK at. Full of lush, bizarre, and somewhat hilarious collages, this book is total indulgence. Fun to look at with kids, you can play some "I spy". Fun for adults because it's just ridiculous and gorgeous.
The sort of fairy tale/Cinderella story follows a royal court where each courtier tries to out-"do" the others' hairstyles. They have a secret weapon, Giselle, locked up at home who does their hair, but she really has the best hair of all. Will Giselle get out and shine on her own? I'm sure you can imagine.
It's really more art book than storybook, though, and that shows in that the writing is not so hot.
The sort of fairy tale/Cinderella story follows a royal court where each courtier tries to out-"do" the others' hairstyles. They have a secret weapon, Giselle, locked up at home who does their hair, but she really has the best hair of all. Will Giselle get out and shine on her own? I'm sure you can imagine.
It's really more art book than storybook, though, and that shows in that the writing is not so hot.
December 31, 2009
Your hair can never look good enuf!
If you are a grown-up or just think you are, "The Vanities" is a delightful fairy tale for you. Terrence Lawlor has cut and pasted together all things beautiful, strange and colorful to create this wicked story of three vain sisters and their "dos."
Lawlor's collaged illustrations are a delight and you'll find yourself oohing and ahhing as you recognize pots, scissors, cups, ships, cakes, baubles, flowers and fruits that play hide and seek on every beautifully composed page. The sisters, Carlotta, Whilhelmina and Delight, have true fashion attitude. I bought three, two for gifts and one for me!
If you are a grown-up or just think you are, "The Vanities" is a delightful fairy tale for you. Terrence Lawlor has cut and pasted together all things beautiful, strange and colorful to create this wicked story of three vain sisters and their "dos."
Lawlor's collaged illustrations are a delight and you'll find yourself oohing and ahhing as you recognize pots, scissors, cups, ships, cakes, baubles, flowers and fruits that play hide and seek on every beautifully composed page. The sisters, Carlotta, Whilhelmina and Delight, have true fashion attitude. I bought three, two for gifts and one for me!
June 25, 2008
This book is gorgeous, enthralling! I'm a big fan of collage anyway, but this collage work amazing! I also enjoyed how the story is very very loosely based on Cinderella. Fun! The over all message that an obsession with the outward appearance distracts one from real issues in the world is especially poignant in these times when celebrity often times takes precedent over news of issues like war, elections and such. Could also be used with kids whose mothers have lost hair due to cancer treatments. I'd do that. A fun, beautiful book.
November 27, 2010
I don't usually want to read aloud this long a rhyming text, but the rhymes don't always have that sing song quality. The illustrations are amazing and this really is a unique Cinderella variant. The collaboration creating success provides a unique message.
"How did these 'dos' become so political
and take the place of issues more critical?
A leader must vow to serve humanity
not be distracted by useless Vanities!"
"How did these 'dos' become so political
and take the place of issues more critical?
A leader must vow to serve humanity
not be distracted by useless Vanities!"
December 1, 2008
Enchanting book for all ages! Fun contemporary Cinderella story. Amazing collages, a true art-work I must say. Very luxurious printing showing every little detail, huge gatefold pages make it even more impressive and make it an interactive experience for every reader.
A book that keeps our whole family fascinated over and over again...
A book that keeps our whole family fascinated over and over again...
March 25, 2009
The pictures are very cool. A Cinderella story, and not my favorite version. Told in verse...the verse is mediocre.
I think it's maybe supposed to be hip hop styles? Maybe. I can't tell. Great great pictures though.
I think it's maybe supposed to be hip hop styles? Maybe. I can't tell. Great great pictures though.
February 8, 2012
The illustrations were BRILLIANT! I realized it was just a magazine cut outs! Its just brilliant ! I was blown away and the poem is you know the typical situation a "good virl" is always in. But this time around the author uses pictures
May 29, 2008
so beautiful it begs for a coffee table to set upon. I have one.
March 20, 2012
One of these rare books you have a hard time flipping its pages over !!
February 7, 2014
This is hands down the most beautiful, gorgeous, fabulous and fierce book I own. The artwork and poetry is just OUTSTANDING!
December 6, 2013
Beautiful artwork. Descriptive language. Wonderful rhythm. Powerful message.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews