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Hans Brinker
The story of Hans Brinker is a true classic, but few still read the novel, which was written in the 1860s. Now Bruce Coville and Laurel Long are reintroducing the charming tale in this glorious picture book version. Laurel Long's paintings are breathtaking and luminous. And as he has done in his retellings of Shakespeare's plays, Bruce Coville has masterfully reshaped the sprawling story into a picture book that's fresh, engrossing, and faithful to the intent of the original. This is a tale of a family sticking together through hardship, and of wishes granted just in the nick of time. The race to win the silver skates is well-known, but the mystery of the watch and the missing riches is equally enticing. This is the best kind of fairy tale, and kids will be riveted by its drama. For the winter holidays or anytime, this is a book to cherish.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 23, 2023
Why I chose to read this book:
1. being MAJORLY disappointed after listening to the unabridged version of this story, I found my GR friend, Darla's lovely review for this picture book retold by Bruce Coville which focuses only on the parts about Hans Brinker and his family; and,
2. February 2023 is my "Books for Young and Old Alike" Month.
Praises:
1. this abridged retelling is exactly what I was hoping for - a story about Hans Brinker and NOT a travel guide about Holland;
2. the stunning illustrations which showcase 19th-century Holland are exquisitely-detailed;
3. I shared this picture book with a Grade 3 class (8 to 9-year-old children). Here are some of their thoughts:
- "I liked the race."
- "It was interesting about the gold and how they found the money."
- "I liked the details in the pictures."
- "I liked how Hans figured out the name."
- "I liked how everything turned out and it was a happy ending."
Niggles:
Some of these students thought that this story was boring; they didn't like the writing style; some found the names to be confusing; and also that it was too long.
Overall Thoughts:
Although this beautifully-illustrated book has an exciting skating race and mysteries involving a missing doctor's son and hidden money, it just didn't win overwhelming praise from these youngsters; however, the majority liked it.
Recommendation?
If you are interested in reading this story, or if you are already a diehard fan, I recommend checking out this gorgeous picture book!
1. being MAJORLY disappointed after listening to the unabridged version of this story, I found my GR friend, Darla's lovely review for this picture book retold by Bruce Coville which focuses only on the parts about Hans Brinker and his family; and,
2. February 2023 is my "Books for Young and Old Alike" Month.
Praises:
1. this abridged retelling is exactly what I was hoping for - a story about Hans Brinker and NOT a travel guide about Holland;
2. the stunning illustrations which showcase 19th-century Holland are exquisitely-detailed;
3. I shared this picture book with a Grade 3 class (8 to 9-year-old children). Here are some of their thoughts:
- "I liked the race."
- "It was interesting about the gold and how they found the money."
- "I liked the details in the pictures."
- "I liked how Hans figured out the name."
- "I liked how everything turned out and it was a happy ending."
Niggles:
Some of these students thought that this story was boring; they didn't like the writing style; some found the names to be confusing; and also that it was too long.
Overall Thoughts:
Although this beautifully-illustrated book has an exciting skating race and mysteries involving a missing doctor's son and hidden money, it just didn't win overwhelming praise from these youngsters; however, the majority liked it.
Recommendation?
If you are interested in reading this story, or if you are already a diehard fan, I recommend checking out this gorgeous picture book!
March 18, 2021
It has always been my plan to read the original 'Hans Brinker,' but I have never taken the time. Then I read 'Excellent Books for Eager and Early Readers' by Katherine T. Isaacs. She recommended this version as it trims the story down to the relevant details and also includes excellent artwork. This version did not disappoint. The artwork is Caldecott winner worthy and the story is inspiring and heartwarming. Bruce Coville's 'A Note from the Adaptor' is illuminating, shedding light on the value of sharing this story even in today's generation. Some might say that Hans Brinker is 'too good.' Coville contends that reading about children like Hans Brinker fulfills a deep emotional need -- answering the question 'Who do I want to be like?'
For I cannot help but believe that our world would be a better place indeed were it populated by more people as strong of heart and true of purpose as sturdy Hans Brinker.--Bruce Coville
For I cannot help but believe that our world would be a better place indeed were it populated by more people as strong of heart and true of purpose as sturdy Hans Brinker.--Bruce Coville
November 15, 2021
I confess, I could never make it through Hans Brinker; or, The Silver Skates as a child. Coville's adaptor's note explains why: it devolves into a travelogue with side characters partway through, since Mary Mapes Dodge intended to write an instructive travelogue about Amsterdam inside her novel. That was always the part where I lost interest, and did not yet have enough readerly wisdom to skip back to Hans and Gretel.
Coville prioritizes the emotional heart of the story, and presents Hans as a kind, hardworking boy any child can admire, without being preachy or insufferable. This would make a wonderful read for St Nicholas's Day, since that plays a small part in the story, and there is a holiday magic here even though the whole book revolves around a race rather than a holiday.
Concerning Long's illustrations, what more can I say besides they are gorgeous? Her use of light and sky is particularly wonderful in this book. The characters and the girls' clothing show her preference for Russian- and Botticelli-influenced art, which doesn't quite fit into a novel about Holland, but there are also influences from Dutch artists in her work here too.
Coville prioritizes the emotional heart of the story, and presents Hans as a kind, hardworking boy any child can admire, without being preachy or insufferable. This would make a wonderful read for St Nicholas's Day, since that plays a small part in the story, and there is a holiday magic here even though the whole book revolves around a race rather than a holiday.
Concerning Long's illustrations, what more can I say besides they are gorgeous? Her use of light and sky is particularly wonderful in this book. The characters and the girls' clothing show her preference for Russian- and Botticelli-influenced art, which doesn't quite fit into a novel about Holland, but there are also influences from Dutch artists in her work here too.
June 10, 2015
This is a beautiful retelling of Hans Brinker and the silver skates. It tells just the story without including all of the description that is in the original book. The illustrations are gorgeous. I have been unable to finish the original book before and I'm very happy to now know how the story ends.
February 27, 2012
Bruce Coville retells the classic story of Hans Brinker originally written by Mary Mapes Dodge. Mr. Coville’s book is written as a picture book and focuses not only on Hans Brinker’s goal to win the silver skates, but expands the story of the Brinker family as they struggle to survive after the father’s head injury. The love, kindness, and perseverance displayed by the Brinkers, as well as several twists and turns in the plot make this a very enjoyable story. Laurel Long’s beautiful illustrations add immensely to the pleasure of reading this story!
December 7, 2021
Hans Brinker is a lovely story, and this picture-book retelling captures the essence of the original. With breathtakingly gorgeous illustrations that are magical and full of life and motion, this is a richly-spun tale of kindness perfect for a cozy winter's night. ❄
January 23, 2009
The illustrations are lovely (I am fond of Laurel Long from her "Holly Claus" work) but the story just did not work for me. Now, I haven't read the full-length version of HANS BRINKER but I felt the adaptation was choppy, confusing, and unsatisfying. I know Coville is a much-beloved author, and it's not as if his writing is bad, but I just thought he tried to fit WAY too much into far too short a space, despite his good intentions (as related in the AUTHOR'S NOTE). I think he could have done a better job focusing just on Hans and Gretel and the sibling relationship, rather than trying to tie-in all the stuff about the father and the lost doctor's apprentice, etc.
August 16, 2018
This is a beautifully illustrated retelling of Mary Mapes Dodge's Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates.
November 10, 2010
This book is quality. Bruce Coville retells the story of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates in picture book form. Hans and his sister, Gretel, seek to win a race and earn silver skates. Despite their family's poverty, Hans and Gretel sacrifice and work to reach their dreams. But their greatest dream is to help their father, who has suffered a debilitating brain injury for ten years. My heart wants to give the story five stars because Hans is a noble, good (albeit fictitious) boy whose story deserves to be told. It is beautiful. Laurel Long's illustrations are also deserving of five stars. However, the story is also quite choppy and abbreviated (understandably so, since it is retold from a novel). I wondered if it might have been improved by simplifying the tale still more and leaving out at least one of the lessor parts of the plot. Bruce Coville must have debated long and hard, though, because each subplot adds to the good character and nature of Hans and his family.
Some may believe people like Hans are too perfect to really exist. I believe they can and do exist in the heart of every good, moral person who loves family and friends enough to sacrifice their own interests to benefit another. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can read this to my children.
Some may believe people like Hans are too perfect to really exist. I believe they can and do exist in the heart of every good, moral person who loves family and friends enough to sacrifice their own interests to benefit another. I can't wait until tomorrow when I can read this to my children.
March 5, 2015
I love the pictures in the book. They sparkle and are alive. I thought the story was really good too. I would have loved it more if I found it was a true story.
What confuses me is the Dr gives the dad a tricky operation and all of a sudden he gets his memory back but it is of when his kids were baby (when the accident happened)
What confuses me is the Dr gives the dad a tricky operation and all of a sudden he gets his memory back but it is of when his kids were baby (when the accident happened)
April 15, 2010
Very solid retelling of the story- ends may tie up too neatly for some, but well done. Made more than just a story by the beautiful, detailed illustrations of Laurel Long.
December 18, 2016
An illustrated version of the classic. I adored the illustrations of this book; Hans Brinker is a worthy hero, with a lovely story about family and the true spirt of the holidays.
October 4, 2018
A new holiday favorite. These illustrations are something I’ll enjoy for many Christmas’s to come ❤️
January 13, 2019
A child’s version of one of my all time favorite books. The paintings that grace the pages are absolutely amazing works of art. I wish someone would make a movie of this great story.
January 17, 2025
The illustrations are beautiful in this book
April 12, 2011
My view on Social Studies:
I believe that social studies is the study of humans, their interactions with each other and the world around them. As teachers, we must open the eyes of our students to the diverse cultures around us. Every individual is unique and can offer something to the world.
Summary and integration of book:
The authors note writes that this story was meant to carry the reader off to a land not often traveled to. The story is of a boy whose father is ill and he must try to help him. A doctor helps heal him and his sister wins an ice skating race. I like this book for the reasons this author mentions. This book mentions places and events that would spark my students' interest and encourage them to study a land unknown to them. They will get to see how people around the world go through different experiences bases on where they live.
I believe that social studies is the study of humans, their interactions with each other and the world around them. As teachers, we must open the eyes of our students to the diverse cultures around us. Every individual is unique and can offer something to the world.
Summary and integration of book:
The authors note writes that this story was meant to carry the reader off to a land not often traveled to. The story is of a boy whose father is ill and he must try to help him. A doctor helps heal him and his sister wins an ice skating race. I like this book for the reasons this author mentions. This book mentions places and events that would spark my students' interest and encourage them to study a land unknown to them. They will get to see how people around the world go through different experiences bases on where they live.
December 18, 2010
I listened to Hans Brinker as an audio book some years ago. At the time, I realized I never would have read the book - it starts with a long history and geology of the Netherlands, and it contains a number of very long digressions that do not move the story along. Obviously, you can't condense all that into a picture book - even if you take out the digressions. But even so, I felt like this book could have been more focused - perhaps just focus on the race, or on the mystery involving the father. At first impression, the illustrations are lovely, kind of evoking Dutch masters, but they also have some very odd elements (like Annie's face, any time you see it).
February 14, 2011
Only one word can accurately describe the illustrations in this book--ethereal. They are almost angelic in their beauty and are utterly captivating. The story itself is also warm and beautiful and tells the story of a young man who puts the needs of his family over his own wants and desires. Absolutely delightful.
September 9, 2014
Bruce Coville pared the original story down o the story of Hans and his sister Gretal and their attempt to win the silver skates and to restore their father's health. This eliminated almost 100 pages of the original story designed to teach the reader about The Netherlands. Beautiful, detailed illustrations make the book.
January 19, 2008
I admire the intent of taking a classic and condensing it into a picture book that is more accessible to modern children. However, I felt that the book was so condensed that it lost some of the story.
January 13, 2010
My oldest girl chose this book to read and we read it together. It is a really nice story about how no matter how bad things get a family is able to care for each other and give each other what they need to survive. Also, how friends can make things go along well also.
July 28, 2011
Coville does an amazing job retelling a much-loved classic. Lauren Long's illustration makes for a beautiful read.
A note from Coville at the end of the story explains how the classic book was used as a geographic and social studies tool.
A note from Coville at the end of the story explains how the classic book was used as a geographic and social studies tool.
March 9, 2012
This book is quaint. I read it to get psyched up for Amsterdam and it was fantastic. Perhaps a bit smart for 12 year-olds. There were Steinbeckian chapters about Holland's history. Highly recommend.
January 19, 2008
I understand the desire to condense a classic to make it more accessible to today's children, but the story had lapses that made it hard to follow.
January 28, 2008
I didn't care for the story so much as I did for the illustrations. I love Laurel Long. n.n
November 17, 2008
Beautiful and richly illustrated. But the story is hard for little ones to follow. I haven't read the original, maybe it is the same way.
September 19, 2010
A wonderful story. I would love my kids to have Hans as a role model. Coville's afterword is awesome. The pictures are incredible. What a beautiful book.
February 11, 2011
worth reading book...
February 24, 2020
What an incredible story! I got this because I love Laurel Long's illustrations, but I hadn't read or heard of the story before. GORGEOUS.
February 1, 2021
This was such a good story of an honorable boy who triumphs over hardship with grace. The illustrations were rich and beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews