I might already own a copy of this lovely picture book, but for a hardback in pristine condition for 50 cents?
Mine.
The Girl in the Golden Bower
Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jane Dyer
ISBN: 0316968943 (reinforced binding)
Original fairy tale by renowned author (and personal favorite) Jane Yolen, about the power of love and family.
Oh this book is so pretty, y'all just don't know. Jane Dyer has that same lush richness as Kinuko Craft without the overdone sumptuous frothing, and the same scene-setting mastery as Paul Zelinsky without the rigidity of form. It just makes my heart happy to look at.
I love fairy tales. They are so simple, and so deep. Like still pools in a dark forest, reflecting the surface, and harboring secrets deep within their hearts. This one fits the old pattern beautifully - a sorcerer's curse, a ruined castle, a beast deep within the woods, a good-hearted woodsman, a beguiling woman with cat eyes and a green kirtle, sad untimely deaths, and not one, but two different pure-hearted girls who save the day by being their own sweet selves.
The only difference between this and a "real" fairy tale is that this one doesn't end with a wedding, or even a betrothal - in fact, there's not even a suitor! The omission is glaring, but in my opinion, it only enhances the innocence and sweet nature of the tale being told.
Not bad for 50 cents!
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