I am setting here with this book before me wondering how many different versions of the Little Red Ridding Hood tale have been told, and indeed, illustrated throughout the years. I remember seeing many even as a youngster and as each year goes by, there seems to be more and more of them. This is all fine and dandy with me as I am rather fond of this particular story.
Gennady Spirin is one of my favorite illustrators. He grew up in Russia and attended the Moscow Art School at the Academy of Art. He learned his lessons well!
This is a simple tale with a simple text which will hold no great surprise for those familiar with it, but what separates this work from many, many others is the absolute gorgeous and detailed art work presented. I can honestly say that I would love to have some Spirin originals hanging on my walls.
Her the artist has used 17th Century Dutch Masters as his inspiration and I must say that he has almost out mastered the masters! The color and detail of these pictures, from the landscaping to the wonderful costumes are a marvel to the eye. His characters are just a bit different than we see in most illustrations we find in other like books, but that is what makes this book so unique and charming.
This is one of those books that even though you and the little ones may know the story my rote, I can promise you that each and every time to read this thing, examining and marveling at the pictures, that you will find something new each and every time. As I gaze at these paintings/drawings, I am wondering just how this guy pulls it off!
If you have only one copy of this story in your home, this would be a good choice. It follows the original pretty closely, the characters are perfectly drawn, and there are good lessons to be learn and it ends happily, not like some versions I have read.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks