FICTION

The Lion and the Unicorn and Other Hairy Tales

illus. by Jane Ray. 176p. (The Story Collector). Boxer. 2015. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781910126387.
COPY ISBN
Gr 3–5—A varied collection of animal stories and poetry. Ray's great strength are her illustrations, and her etchings are truly beautiful, demonstrating a range in design, composition, and texture that reflects the cultures represented in the accounts. Some of the selections have been reproduced verbatim, while others have been retold by Ray (appended is a list of sources). These entries are not all folktales, as work by Ogden Nash, a reworking of a Rudyard Kipling "Just-So" story, and the title nursery rhyme are included. Ray's narrative style is not nearly as distinguished as her artwork, however, and the book seems more of an excuse to provide an outlet for her pictures than for her storytelling.
VERDICT A handsome gift, but not a necessary addition to library collections.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?