Classic Fairy Tales

The illustrations alone were worth the purchase, but what I liked about the book was that the telling for the most part remained true to what I recalled from childhood. This is a refreshing change from so other nursery rhyme or fairy tale compilations which have been "updated" in odd and unnecessary ways.

I first discovered Scott Gustafson's artwork a few years back and I absolutely fell in love with his paintings. If anyone has seen his editions of Peter Pan and The Nutcracker, then your eyes have seen some of the most beautiful paintings to grace the pages of storybooks in the past few years. When I discovered that Scott was going to release a book of fairy tales, I could hardly wait. 10 of his original paintings that were featured on various mediums from collector's plates to limited edition prints served as the basis for this collection of stories. When I received the book, I couldn't wait to see the paintings. I soon found myself having a ridiculously large smile, his paintings instantly sparked my imagination. I could barely contain myself. While all of the stories are richly illustrated, my favorites in particular are Snow White, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. This is a book that is beyond compare and is a prized work from a wonderful illustrator. The large format is ideal for little hands as well as being a wonderful coffee table book. Anyone who simply sees the cover of this book, surely must want to take a peek inside. With all of our favorite characters on the cover who wouldn't want to? The stories are also well researched, and although nothing fancy, they are true to the original tales. This book would be a great way to introduce the original versions of the stories to the young. This book is on my list and I Highly Recommend it to absolutely everyone! A+

The lavish paintings in the book are sure to spark the imaginations of young minds. The illustrations (in the style of N. C. Wyeth) are so rich and beautiful, I could see my young son eagerly scanning every one, wide-eyed as I turned each page! I couldn't recommend this book more! It's well worth the modest price. I can't wait to see more work by Scott Gustafson! (How about a Volume II Scott?)

The artist is not only superlative, the tales are clearly researched back to their origins, making this book wonderful for adults who remember their own fairy tales of youth. The artwork is perfectly entrancing, with detail that keep both young and old spellbound. Destined for greatness in a field glutted with medocrity in both art and story. A Classic for Every Library.

I bought this book mostly because I am a fan of Scott Gustafson's art work. I was not disappointed. There are illustrations on almost every page with many two page spreads. The text is pretty standard "fairy tales" stuff, but I feel that the illustrations make it come alive and would excite the imagination of the younger reader. Definitly recommended.