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Once upon a time, in a land
of kings and queens and knights, a young
prince helps a captured giant to escape. Named Iron Hans, the giant is
cursed for ever to guard a golden pool. When the prince offers to help
- but fails - he is sent out into the wilderness to learn how to live
without fame or fortune, but with the promise that Iron Hans will help
in times of need. The prince, in disguise, begins to work at a palace
and, through kindness and courage, becomes a knight, wins the hand of
the princess and frees Iron Hans from his curse - so all can live
happily ever after.
"[Mitchell's] smooth, well-paced storytelling is an exciting mix of danger, magic and romance. It's sure to capture young imaginations. While listening, youngsters can pore over the detailed illustrations by Matt Tavares. He captures every nuance, from knights in armor to castles and garments from the Middle Ages.... Youngsters will want to hear this story again and again, and adults will enjoy reading this fine retelling." -Judy Green, Sacremento Bee "Spreads of brawny figures and armored knights endow this retelling of a Grimm Brothers' tale with epic dimensions....Complex and muscular, this is a good bet for readers who demand lots of action." -Publishers Weekly "Matt Tavares suitably antique illustrations are embellished with a wide variety of page lay-outs and unusual perspectives; the iron man, most often depicted with only one eye showing through his bristling knee-length hair, is appropriately scary; and the whole is infused with the golden glow of a fairytale world." -Kristi Elle Jemtegaard, Parents' Choice "Tavares's tidy, literal, clean-lined illustrations give this retelling of a particularly surreal Brothers Grimm tale some welcome grounding in reality." -Kirkus Reviews "A marvelous story of pride and humility and the importance of doing good, this selection is satisfying in every way." -Kendal Rautzhan, The Times Herald "Boy-centered, interesting to discuss and with illustrations that readers won't forget." -Marie Harris Russell, Chicago Tribune |
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Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Inc., Cambridge, MA.