Sleeping Beauty<small> by Shannon Eric Denton</small>

You might be asking what could possibly be new about Sleeping Beauty. To which I'd have to say that Shannon Eric Denton and Mike Dubisch have managed to add a few twists to the tale that you might want to check out.

Dubish, for example, with his artwork that has a graphic novel feel, has placed the story in an archaic Russian setting. The castles and prominent buildings have swirly, colorful minaret tops; and the armor that the prince wears has greaves and a helmet with a raised spired peak.

As far as the story goes, the old woman at the spinning wheel is no longer the witch. And when the princess pricks her finger and falls asleep it's a dwarf with magic shoes that pops off to tell a good fairy what has happened. And it is she who puts the entire kingdom to sleep until the prince arrives.

Talking Points:::

This a different version of Sleeping Beauty that would make a nice practice reader. (see reading level info below)

The artwork is more interesting than in many other versions. The wicked fairy, for example, has 6 legs where her wings begin, giving her a creepy spider look. And all-in-all, there is a Russian tone to the images.

My daughter (9) is a big fan of the slumbering princess, and she and I both liked this version of the classic tale. So do check it out if you are also a fan.

Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs