The Sleeper and the Spindle
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Sly combo of two fairy tales makes for literary magic.
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What's the Story?
Three brave, hardy dwarves make their way to a dark-haired queen and tell her that a wave of sleeping sickness threatens her kingdom. Forgoing her wedding plans, the queen sets off with the dwarves in search of a castle shrouded by thorns, wherein lies a princess cursed by a wicked witch. By the end of THE SLEEPER AND THE SPINDLE, the queen and her short companions discover secrets that will change their outlook on life and magic.
Is It Any Good?
With gorgeous black-and-while illustrations (with a touch of gold), this clever combination and retelling of two classic fairy tales brims with literary magic. Readers who like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty will see that this sly new take offers twists and turns in unpredictable directions. Neil Gaiman's prose and Chris Riddell's drawings mesh precisely, and their latest collaboration should appeal to a wide range of readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why folk and fairy tales have endured for centuries. What is it about these stories that make them so compelling to modern audiences?
How do people make choices when confronted by a dilemma? Isn't acting the same as making a choice?
Can you tell whether someone is "good" or "bad" just by looking at the person?
Book Details
- Author: Neil Gaiman
- Illustrator: Chris Riddell
- Genre: Fairy Tale
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Fairy Tales , Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: September 22, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 18
- Number of pages: 64
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 5, 2019
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