Iago Cavalcante Cavalcante itibaren Kochishevo, Respublika Udmurtiya, Rusya, 427644 itibaren Kochishevo, Respublika Udmurtiya, Rusya, 427644

This has never been one of my favorite fairy tales, but this edition of it is one of six selected books for the Picture Books Club’s April “Royalty” theme over at the Children's Books group, so I read it again, for the first time since I was a young child. The fact that I like it better than I did then is most like due to the amazing pictures. They are luminous, gorgeous, and lush, and all the pictures tell the story and fit the story so well. I also enjoyed that in this version the hero is a gardener and not (yet another) prince. For a fairy tale for young kids, I did think the tale part was very long, perhaps too long for one sitting with young children. But, I enjoyed it and I think kids with adequate attention spans will too, especially given the quality of the illustrations. that will keep them enthralled as they listen. I doubt I’d ever have reread this fairy tale if not for this online book group so, once again, thanks to the Picture Books Club and the Children's Books group. I do think it’s a weird little tale, but that can be said of many fairy tales.

Really more of a 3.5. It took me a long time to finish. I'm gobsmacked by the intricacy of his writing. I'm sure he could care less whether or not I'm impressed, but I truly am. I loved the book for its writing more than its story, though.