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Seraphin
From Hans Christian Anderson award-winning author Philippe Fix, a dazzling portrait of a dreamy optimist filling Paris with ingenious gadgets, toys, and magical contraptions.
Seraphin, dreaming of gardens full of birdsongs, sunny avenues, and flowers, works as a ticket seller in a metro station underground. One day, after being scolded by the stationmaster for trying to save a butterfly that had flown into the station by accident, he learns that he has inherited an old, dilapidated house. Overjoyed by the possibilities, he and his friend Plume set about building the house of their dreams, and much more besides! Philippe Fix's illustrations, cinematic in their scope, have enchanted children since their 1967 d�but. In a fresh translation, Seraphin now allows a new generation to experience the wonder and inventive spectacle of the original.
Seraphin, dreaming of gardens full of birdsongs, sunny avenues, and flowers, works as a ticket seller in a metro station underground. One day, after being scolded by the stationmaster for trying to save a butterfly that had flown into the station by accident, he learns that he has inherited an old, dilapidated house. Overjoyed by the possibilities, he and his friend Plume set about building the house of their dreams, and much more besides! Philippe Fix's illustrations, cinematic in their scope, have enchanted children since their 1967 d�but. In a fresh translation, Seraphin now allows a new generation to experience the wonder and inventive spectacle of the original.
- GenresPicture Books
28 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 26, 2019
2,5/5. Can't say I really enjoy this one. Even if the story was kind of original and I like the weird crazy imaginative inventor old man, I just find the story a bit slow. It's the kind of book that my mind has trouble to fit in the targeted reader. Because the look and the storyline look very childish, almost picture book age, but at the same them the length and the amount of text make it closer to, well not middle-grade, but older then picture book... Anyway the pace is also very slow and I think that a lot of children would have trouble keeping up with it. The illustrations are beautiful, classic, but colorful and I really like the way the space organization from one page to another vary, it make it look more dynamic. Was expecting more!
April 22, 2019
This would be the movie Up if it was written in French, and was written almost 40 years ago, and kind of wandered off.
This begins with a man who doesn't like his job. And gets fired, and hangs out with a small boy who helps me renovate a house. So far, so good.
But then, magical things start happening, that never go anywhere, such as when all the carved animals come to life one night, and then it is never mentioned again. And the normal thing of wanting a four poster bed that won't fit through his apartment door, but fits in his new house, works, as far as it goes.
It is almost as though it is a book about hating your job. Then a book about a magical house, and then a book about government and capitalism. It resembles a picture book, but is very wordy.
It may have lost something in the translation. It might have been better as a early chapter book, or even a middle grade book, if it was fleshed out, but as a picture book it is all over the map.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This begins with a man who doesn't like his job. And gets fired, and hangs out with a small boy who helps me renovate a house. So far, so good.
But then, magical things start happening, that never go anywhere, such as when all the carved animals come to life one night, and then it is never mentioned again. And the normal thing of wanting a four poster bed that won't fit through his apartment door, but fits in his new house, works, as far as it goes.
It is almost as though it is a book about hating your job. Then a book about a magical house, and then a book about government and capitalism. It resembles a picture book, but is very wordy.
It may have lost something in the translation. It might have been better as a early chapter book, or even a middle grade book, if it was fleshed out, but as a picture book it is all over the map.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 27, 2019
This is a brand-new English translation of a 1967 French picture book that maybe should've stayed untranslated. What starts out looking like a charming story about a funny little man rather abruptly devolves into a head-scratcher with a deux ex machina ending.
We're introduced to Seraphin, an old man who--for some reason--has never decided what he wants to be when he grows up. He has a short career as a ticket puncher before fate intervenes and somebody leaves him a ramshackle house in their will. With the help of his friend, a little boy named Plume, he fixes up the house. Then he builds a great music-making machine. The friends live happily in the house, which may or may not be possessed; there's a weird incident that seems to have nothing to do with anything, where Plume's sitting by the fire and the sound of squealing sap makes all the carvings and pictures in the house come to life.
Eventually, the government comes and tries to evict Seraphin to build condos on the land. He and Plume hole up in the house until the authorities come banging on the door. Then they build a wooden tower up from the top of the house to escape. Just when it looks like they're about to be caught... they step off into the sky on a set of movable stairs.
Unfortunately, I'm not kidding. The book doesn't seem like it's going to be fantasy, and then all of a sudden it throws in stuff like the moving statues and the walking on air. It's really disjointed. On top of that, it's a bit of a chore to read. This is very heavy on the text for so short a book.
I've seen some other reviewers mention the inappropriate relationship between Seraphin and Plume. I didn't really get that, although I was looking at it through a more innocent lens and trying to remember when it was originally written. There's nothing overtly creepy about the relationship, but viewed in light of our current understanding of sexual predators, it might give some readers pause. (Where are Plume's parents? How much time does he actually spend with Seraphin alone at his house? Why doesn't this old guy have any friends his own age?)
In any case, this isn't really a book I'd recommend. It's too wordy, and the plot goes from intriguing to downright silly in the final act.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elsewhere Editions for providing a digital ARC.
We're introduced to Seraphin, an old man who--for some reason--has never decided what he wants to be when he grows up. He has a short career as a ticket puncher before fate intervenes and somebody leaves him a ramshackle house in their will. With the help of his friend, a little boy named Plume, he fixes up the house. Then he builds a great music-making machine. The friends live happily in the house, which may or may not be possessed; there's a weird incident that seems to have nothing to do with anything, where Plume's sitting by the fire and the sound of squealing sap makes all the carvings and pictures in the house come to life.
Eventually, the government comes and tries to evict Seraphin to build condos on the land. He and Plume hole up in the house until the authorities come banging on the door. Then they build a wooden tower up from the top of the house to escape. Just when it looks like they're about to be caught... they step off into the sky on a set of movable stairs.
Unfortunately, I'm not kidding. The book doesn't seem like it's going to be fantasy, and then all of a sudden it throws in stuff like the moving statues and the walking on air. It's really disjointed. On top of that, it's a bit of a chore to read. This is very heavy on the text for so short a book.
I've seen some other reviewers mention the inappropriate relationship between Seraphin and Plume. I didn't really get that, although I was looking at it through a more innocent lens and trying to remember when it was originally written. There's nothing overtly creepy about the relationship, but viewed in light of our current understanding of sexual predators, it might give some readers pause. (Where are Plume's parents? How much time does he actually spend with Seraphin alone at his house? Why doesn't this old guy have any friends his own age?)
In any case, this isn't really a book I'd recommend. It's too wordy, and the plot goes from intriguing to downright silly in the final act.
Thank you to NetGalley and Elsewhere Editions for providing a digital ARC.
December 22, 2019
Detailed, imaginative French 1967 book in translation. I read many historical children's books, so the higher reading level of the text didn't bother me. But, it is different than the text of contemporary children's books (more words, written for all ages). The story of the inventor is told with text, yes, but also amazing illustrations. Each page deserves loving scrutiny. And, the hero's final creation is stupendous. Wonderful, wonderful book. Particularly good for that younger tinkerer or maker in your life.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
Having fallen into the job of ticket collector in the Paris Metro, the eponymous Seraphin doesn't particularly care for his job, and ends up getting fired when he abandons his post to rescue a butterfly. Together with his friend Plume, who lives in the same building as he does, Seraphin ends up renovating a run-down old house he inherits, making it into a magical place. But what will he and Plume do when the authorities show up, and begin to build horrible apartment buildings? Will they be evicted? Will their house be demolished? Or will they find a way to escape...?
Originally published in French in 1967, as Le merveilleux chef-d'oevre de Séraphin, and just made available in English this year (2019) by the Brooklyn-based Elsewhere Editions, who specialize in translating international children's books, Seraphin is a somewhat quirky picture-book. The story is rather sad, and is clearly a product of its time, with the somewhat dreamy, individualistic and artistic Seraphin being pitted against the heartless forces of authority and society, whether represented by his boss at the Metro, or by the construction workers threatening to tear down his home. I'm not sure I found the conclusion, in which Seraphin and Plume either believable or that satisfying, but other than that I found the story interesting, and the artwork lovely. There's a magical feeling to the visuals here that is most appealing, and I'm glad to have had the chance to read this one. With the caveat that the ending isn't that inspiring, this one is recommended to young readers who feel out of step with society around them.
Originally published in French in 1967, as Le merveilleux chef-d'oevre de Séraphin, and just made available in English this year (2019) by the Brooklyn-based Elsewhere Editions, who specialize in translating international children's books, Seraphin is a somewhat quirky picture-book. The story is rather sad, and is clearly a product of its time, with the somewhat dreamy, individualistic and artistic Seraphin being pitted against the heartless forces of authority and society, whether represented by his boss at the Metro, or by the construction workers threatening to tear down his home. I'm not sure I found the conclusion, in which Seraphin and Plume either believable or that satisfying, but other than that I found the story interesting, and the artwork lovely. There's a magical feeling to the visuals here that is most appealing, and I'm glad to have had the chance to read this one. With the caveat that the ending isn't that inspiring, this one is recommended to young readers who feel out of step with society around them.
March 28, 2019
The Cover Is the Best Part; The Rest is Unsatisfyingly Random
This is a new, and newly released, translation of a picture book originally published in French in 1967. It's whimsical and it occasionally hits a charming note, but, being text heavy, brief, and random in terms of narrative and tone, it never seems to take off.
The cover is gorgeous and there are a number of engaging splash pages, but the colorful and often cleverly composed art mostly just serves to emphasize the absence of a compelling story. Our hero, Seraphin, is dreamy and impractical and his experiences become increasingly fantastical and magical as the story progresses. I guess that's fine for a picture book, but this book is crammed with text, and that text is disjointed and never takes us anywhere.
So, for all its charming drawings I was left with the impression that this book held the reader away at arm's length, and that's a tough sell. I liked looking at this book but I can't imagine how I'd read it to a kid.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a new, and newly released, translation of a picture book originally published in French in 1967. It's whimsical and it occasionally hits a charming note, but, being text heavy, brief, and random in terms of narrative and tone, it never seems to take off.
The cover is gorgeous and there are a number of engaging splash pages, but the colorful and often cleverly composed art mostly just serves to emphasize the absence of a compelling story. Our hero, Seraphin, is dreamy and impractical and his experiences become increasingly fantastical and magical as the story progresses. I guess that's fine for a picture book, but this book is crammed with text, and that text is disjointed and never takes us anywhere.
So, for all its charming drawings I was left with the impression that this book held the reader away at arm's length, and that's a tough sell. I liked looking at this book but I can't imagine how I'd read it to a kid.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
April 22, 2019
Seraphin is a cute, quirky, philosophical tale about Seraphin and his friend Plume. Seraphin was happy just being his own self but that soon ran afoul of his boss, his landlord, and others in the community. Rather than changing who they are, Seraphin and Plume decided to change the town and built a staircase that would lead them away to new adventures. While the book is long by today's standards, it was originally published in French in the 1960s and expects adults to read to younger children. I enjoyed the illustrations and the story. It reminded me of Dahl and Suess rolled into one.
Thank you NetGalley and Archipelago Elsewhere Editions for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.
Thank you NetGalley and Archipelago Elsewhere Editions for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.
April 2, 2019
I loved the illustrations for this children's book, bright colors and lots to look at! I liked the story in the beginning but it seemed to get weirder and weirder, with animated story characters, then the eviction proceedings, animated dragons, and lastly that stairway to nowhere, then the story just ended. It was a really strange ending!
August 15, 2019
Why we chose this book:
I keep my eyes open for translated work. And the story of a builder and inventor has high appeal in this home. Elsewhere Editions provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
Seraphin is a book that really stuck with me. T had already read it with his dad and had been telling me, "It's kind of a sad book." I agree, but with a caveat. It is not just sad; it is a thought-provoking commentary on how nature and history are shunned and overrun for the sake of enterprise. When I commented to T that I found it powerful — it had elicited a lot of emotions in me — he told me that he thought it was "too powerful," which is his version of the superlative (rather than indicating an undesirable excess).
Seraphin is a ticket puncher for the Paris metro, but he begins to chafe at the underground monotony. Before long, he is fired for attempting to rescue a butterfly that flew down to the subway platform. In a happy turn of events, he almost immediately inherits an old manor on a substantial piece of land. The house, however, is uninhabitable. This is an opportunity for our optimistic protagonist. He and a friend, Plume, create an almost magical mansion, the likes of which has never been seen. Happiness is short-lived, for Seraphin's land is seized by eminent domain to make way for industrial expansion. The construction workers, police, firefighters, and government officials scoff at his desire to retain the refuge he painstakingly crafted, telling him "how comfortable modern buildings were," and ultimately trying to wrest him from the premises. Seraphin and Plume are unsuccessful in their attempts to protect the home, but they do not surrender. Instead, they create a magical staircase "by placing four stairs together, and then moving the bottom one over to the top, and repeating this time after time." Our heroes cannot save the house from "progress," but they can save themselves.
From the beginning, when Seraphin's attempts to deck his ticket booth in flowers are quashed, to the end, when his home will be demolished, Seraphin's appreciation for natural beauty and creative expression are met with criticism, disdain, and outright antagonism. This reader cannot help but contemplate the commentary on development today, how we value quick and profitable construction over unique pieces of craftsmanship. A bit more superficially, the illustrations are lovely. As someone who is unqualified to critique art, I will simply say that I was enchanted by everything about Seraphin.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
On what to know before you read:
"It's a sad and enemies at the end because they tried to solve problems, but it didn't work. That dragon [robot] is super scary for sure."
On the ending:
"I hate the end because there's all bad things happening."
Thoughts after reading:
"It was a too powerful story. I'm gonna be thinking about too much robots, too much construction, like adding more to the city, like adding more to our house.
"I have a lot of ideas after reading this book. Building ideas for building my robot. Like when the vacuum breaks, that would be the time to build my robot, or when the chandelier breaks, or when the hearth breaks. Because they have the pieces we need to build a robot."
I keep my eyes open for translated work. And the story of a builder and inventor has high appeal in this home. Elsewhere Editions provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mom's Review (V)
Seraphin is a book that really stuck with me. T had already read it with his dad and had been telling me, "It's kind of a sad book." I agree, but with a caveat. It is not just sad; it is a thought-provoking commentary on how nature and history are shunned and overrun for the sake of enterprise. When I commented to T that I found it powerful — it had elicited a lot of emotions in me — he told me that he thought it was "too powerful," which is his version of the superlative (rather than indicating an undesirable excess).
Seraphin is a ticket puncher for the Paris metro, but he begins to chafe at the underground monotony. Before long, he is fired for attempting to rescue a butterfly that flew down to the subway platform. In a happy turn of events, he almost immediately inherits an old manor on a substantial piece of land. The house, however, is uninhabitable. This is an opportunity for our optimistic protagonist. He and a friend, Plume, create an almost magical mansion, the likes of which has never been seen. Happiness is short-lived, for Seraphin's land is seized by eminent domain to make way for industrial expansion. The construction workers, police, firefighters, and government officials scoff at his desire to retain the refuge he painstakingly crafted, telling him "how comfortable modern buildings were," and ultimately trying to wrest him from the premises. Seraphin and Plume are unsuccessful in their attempts to protect the home, but they do not surrender. Instead, they create a magical staircase "by placing four stairs together, and then moving the bottom one over to the top, and repeating this time after time." Our heroes cannot save the house from "progress," but they can save themselves.
From the beginning, when Seraphin's attempts to deck his ticket booth in flowers are quashed, to the end, when his home will be demolished, Seraphin's appreciation for natural beauty and creative expression are met with criticism, disdain, and outright antagonism. This reader cannot help but contemplate the commentary on development today, how we value quick and profitable construction over unique pieces of craftsmanship. A bit more superficially, the illustrations are lovely. As someone who is unqualified to critique art, I will simply say that I was enchanted by everything about Seraphin.
Son's Review (T)
(Age: 4)
On what to know before you read:
"It's a sad and enemies at the end because they tried to solve problems, but it didn't work. That dragon [robot] is super scary for sure."
On the ending:
"I hate the end because there's all bad things happening."
Thoughts after reading:
"It was a too powerful story. I'm gonna be thinking about too much robots, too much construction, like adding more to the city, like adding more to our house.
"I have a lot of ideas after reading this book. Building ideas for building my robot. Like when the vacuum breaks, that would be the time to build my robot, or when the chandelier breaks, or when the hearth breaks. Because they have the pieces we need to build a robot."
May 28, 2019
I loved this beautiful book!! Seraphin is a gentle older man who is trying hard to live a purposeful life. He has dreams of finding the perfect job where he can bring joy and beauty to the world. When he finds himself in a rut working as a ticket puncher in the Paris metro, Seraphin does his best to beautify his booth to bring some color to the repetitive, monotone setting. Unfortunately, his boss, the station master is not amused and chastizes him, threatening to fire him. Seraphin, downcast, continues to go through the motions, looking forward to coming home to his cozy little attic apartment where he and his friend Plume love to invent intricate structures for their pet hamster. His job remains joyless until a stray butterfly leads him up and out into the world.
One day, while exploring a flea market, Seraphin finds his dream bed, a gorgeous antique four poster bed, which he purchases immediately. But he's devastated when he finds that the huge bed doesn't fit in his tiny appartment! He dismantles it, convinced he will find a place to set it up. Soon after this, Seraphin is notified that he has inherited a quirky old house! Seraphin and Plume get to work to renovate, and after hours of hard work, the house is finished, a spectacular whimsical structure, completely unique and one hundred percent Seraphin! Finally he can set up the beautiful bed of his dreams!
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this beautiful idealistic story left me feeling hopeful and starry-eyed. I loved Seraphin's stubborn optimism and determination, despite so many obstacles. I loved Seraphin's sweet friendship with Plume. I loved the gorgeous, whimsical illustrations!!
One day, while exploring a flea market, Seraphin finds his dream bed, a gorgeous antique four poster bed, which he purchases immediately. But he's devastated when he finds that the huge bed doesn't fit in his tiny appartment! He dismantles it, convinced he will find a place to set it up. Soon after this, Seraphin is notified that he has inherited a quirky old house! Seraphin and Plume get to work to renovate, and after hours of hard work, the house is finished, a spectacular whimsical structure, completely unique and one hundred percent Seraphin! Finally he can set up the beautiful bed of his dreams!
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this beautiful idealistic story left me feeling hopeful and starry-eyed. I loved Seraphin's stubborn optimism and determination, despite so many obstacles. I loved Seraphin's sweet friendship with Plume. I loved the gorgeous, whimsical illustrations!!
January 9, 2025
Seraphin, a gentle dreamer, lives in a bustling urban world where his extraordinary imagination stands in stark contrast to the humdrum realities around him. Together with his loyal, pragmatic friend Plume and a mischievous pet hamster, Seraphin embarks on a fantastical journey to build the life he’s always dreamed of. From crafting a whimsical mansion to seeking a utopia far from the city’s noise, Seraphin’s quest is both enchanting and deeply human.
Fix’s illustrations are nothing short of extraordinary, brimming with intricate details that invite readers to linger on each page. The art blends vibrant color palettes with imaginative architecture and dreamy landscapes, creating a visual feast that feels at once nostalgic and otherworldly. Every spread is alive with emotion and texture, drawing readers deeper into Seraphin’s unique world.
Donald Nicholson-Smith’s translation captures the poetic essence of the original French text, ensuring the narrative flows as effortlessly as the imagery. Beneath the story’s whimsy lies a poignant exploration of what it means to follow one’s dreams, balancing ambition with the joys of simple companionship.
Though first published decades ago, Seraphin feels timeless in its themes and execution. It speaks to dreamers of all ages, encouraging them to find beauty in their aspirations while cherishing the connections that make life meaningful.
Fix’s illustrations are nothing short of extraordinary, brimming with intricate details that invite readers to linger on each page. The art blends vibrant color palettes with imaginative architecture and dreamy landscapes, creating a visual feast that feels at once nostalgic and otherworldly. Every spread is alive with emotion and texture, drawing readers deeper into Seraphin’s unique world.
Donald Nicholson-Smith’s translation captures the poetic essence of the original French text, ensuring the narrative flows as effortlessly as the imagery. Beneath the story’s whimsy lies a poignant exploration of what it means to follow one’s dreams, balancing ambition with the joys of simple companionship.
Though first published decades ago, Seraphin feels timeless in its themes and execution. It speaks to dreamers of all ages, encouraging them to find beauty in their aspirations while cherishing the connections that make life meaningful.
January 30, 2019
No. This is one of those books where you have to struggle to ignore the friendship an old man has for a random young boy who should be told better, for a start. Beyond that it's just too higgledy-piggledy and lacking in internal logic. The old man is a ticket puncher on the underground train network, then he's not, then they're building a house together (oo-er) then some magic happens then it stops, then the old man builds a mahoosive musical instrument which pleases them then it doesn't then they face eviction from their paedo-friendly fantasy world. It's just bonkers – too loose, and not really worth republishing in this day and age, however innocent and fantastical it's supposed to be. Yes, some of the design is fine, but the ethics of the story and the sheer bewildering naivety of its construction really turned me against it.
March 26, 2019
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately drawn to this picture book by the artwork and the fact that it's translated from French which I usually enjoy. However this was a disappointment for me.
The artwork, though fine, wasn't as appealing inside the book and I feel that this is mostly due to the story. The first half was boring and the second plain nonsensical, and not in a quirky way. The whole thing was confusing and didn't keep my attention. Considering this book is less that 30 pages, it was a struggle.
I was immediately drawn to this picture book by the artwork and the fact that it's translated from French which I usually enjoy. However this was a disappointment for me.
The artwork, though fine, wasn't as appealing inside the book and I feel that this is mostly due to the story. The first half was boring and the second plain nonsensical, and not in a quirky way. The whole thing was confusing and didn't keep my attention. Considering this book is less that 30 pages, it was a struggle.
September 14, 2019
This story is so disjointed. For the first part of the book, it seems very realistic, but then the book takes a turn with moving dolls, fantastical architecture, and magic. The turn, while cute, is jarring and confusing for my young reader to follow. Another problem I have with this book is that it doesn't really fit in agewise. It's a picture book, but the text is too long to keep my child's attention. Loved the artwork, but I just wouldn't pick this book up again. The long text wouldn't be such an issue if it was a little more fast-paced, but the story just drags.
August 11, 2022
Hmm. Doesn't quite pull it off. Lots of potential, lots to like, but my sensibility tells me that it's too quirky for its own good. And the ending solution doesn't even solve the problem. I prefer, for example, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, and any number of other fables about adults who never quite grow up and therefore don't fit in.
October 19, 2025
A fun and whimsical story with detailed art of very intricate machines. Lots of eye candy. The story itself is a little sporadic as plot points are introduced without warning, then dropped just as suddenly. The main message seems to be: enjoy life while you can because eventually something comes along to ruin it. The resolution was disappointing because it goes completely fantastical instead of showing the characters’ ingenuity and perseverance in the face of adversity that they’d shown throughout the book.
April 14, 2019
Seraphin is a book about a very inventive man that gets a job that doesn't utilize his best skills. He does manage to use his creative talents to their fullest as the story unfolds. Phillipe Fix is a superb illustrator, and his drawings are fantastic. They are colorful and detailed and very whimsical. The story itself, however is somewhat disjointed and difficult to follow. I'm not sure what age group could follow this story, as I was having difficulty following it, myself. But, if you have an appreciation for great artwork, then at least, give it a whirl. Thank you Netgalley, Steerforth Press and Hanover Publisher Services for giving me the opportunity to preview this book.#seraphin #netgalley
November 29, 2021
Fantastical illustrations that make me think of watercolor (maybe they are?) and semi-fantasy lands. Warm and cozy color palette. It's fan service for people like me who like strange architecture and whimsical houses. The story isn't very strong, and the ending is outright too silly for the tone of the book, but I enjoyed the few minutes I spent with this oversize picture book.
February 25, 2019
I think it was a cute little book, fanciful, and with sweet illustrations for children. Fanciful though is the word that sticks with me the most when I read this and I'll be reading it to my daughter.
I received this on Edelweiss from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received this on Edelweiss from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2019
A Hans Christian Anderson tale with a smudge of Maurice Sendak, the illustrations are the highlite if this strange little book; particularly the full page art.
June 20, 2019
Delightful illustrations and a great cast of characters. The first half of the story is stronger than the second, but the unexpected solution at the end of the book is sure to charm young readers.
July 17, 2019
I'm... not entirely sure what happened in this story?
September 4, 2019
delightfully strange
December 4, 2019
Nice illustrations. I found the story a little incoherent.
July 2, 2025
So fantastical and fun! I rather loved both the text and illustrations.
September 8, 2020
Fantastic, Intelligent, and Wonderful.
Positively wonderful! The illustrations are fantastic, and the story is simply wonderful. This book is really great for children who're at a good reading level. This isn't a Dr. Suess easy reader by a long shot.
Positively wonderful! The illustrations are fantastic, and the story is simply wonderful. This book is really great for children who're at a good reading level. This isn't a Dr. Suess easy reader by a long shot.
Want to read
March 29, 2021Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
December 31, 2025
#15 of only books I own. great illustrations, but I will probably be donating this one.
April 17, 2019
Seraphin is a beautiful book written and illustrated by Philippe Fix. The original book was written in French and this edition is translated by Donald Nicholson-Smith. I loved the illustrations. Philippe Fix captures the audience with the whimsicalness of his drawings. However, the storyline was lacking and difficult to follow. I'm not sure how much for this is because of the English translation. It was just choppy and the ending seemed not to make sense and left me with more questions than answers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews