Saturday, February 13, 2010

14th February Paul O.Zelinsky (1953)



I know very little about Paul Zelinsky apart from his Rapunzel and Rumpelstiltskin. These are wonderful retellings of the Grimm fairy tales with amazing artwork that looks as if it should be hanging in art galleries with other masterpieces from the past, even though it was done at the end of the 20th century. I love the notes in the back of these two titles which gives the reader some history of the tales and the changes they have undergone over time.

What does the O. stand for and why is it necessary? While visiting his website in search of an answer which I didn't find, I did learn that he had done a class at university with Maurice Sendak. That must have been very special and no wonder children's books drew his attention.

On a lighter note, it is Valentine's Day. To date my favourite Valentine's book has been Dear Bunny by Michaela Morgan and Caroline Jayne Church. It is sentimental, but the tenderness of the relationship between two bunnies too shy to talk to each other, but who write notes, matches the sentimentality of the whole idea of Valentine's Day. But, this week I bought The Love Bugs by Simon Puttock and Russell Ayto and now it might be my favourite. It too has letters and an unexpected turn in the plot, but with insects instead of rabbits. The pictures and the idea are quirky. Insect dating internet style!

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