The Dwarf Nose

I fell in love with this fairy tale after reading it one of Andrew Lang's collections--however, I cannot get over this somewhat simplified translation and Laura Stoddart's incredible illustrations (those pictures are what MAKES this edition wonderful). The small size is perfect for younger readers. As for the tale itself, it's one what does not get nearly enough credit in America!

Simply one of the best childrens books I've bought! The lovely story is illustrated quite beautifully by Stoddart and contains one stunning page after the other. This really is a joy to read, both for the child and the parent!

Wilhelm Hauff is a German story teller (1st half of the 19th century). His mastery of telling a delicious fairy tale can rival with H.C.Andersen's. W.Hauff left a small body of work - he died at 25, just a few month before his last book was published. Probably, this is the only reason why his name is not well-known. I read Long Nose as a child and now my 7-year-old daughter had a chance to enjoy it, thanks to the beautiful edition, produced by Candlewick Press. Two words of caution: 1) since this tale is almost 2 centuries old, it shall not be judged in the light of political correctness. Its author did not soften the true sufferings of Long Nose and other heroes. 2) Kirkus Review rated Long Nose as an appropriate reading for 4-8. I think, it is not quite true. The tale is long and the language is advanced (but not archaic). The appropriate age is 6 to 10. Make a wonder happen - give a child this book and read it together.

Lizbeth Zwerger's drawings are deceivingly spare and simple. When you actually take the time to obseve what she accomplishes with her work it's like discovering the brilliant subtlty of a Zen Garden with a dash of raw childhood thrown in. I have no doubt that when critics look back in years to come, she will be talked about as some who has trult MASTERED her craft. In this version of Hauff's story there are sorts of examples of her clever interpretations of the story. For example: when the spell of the goose is broken and she changed back in a woman, Zwerger rendering shows the woman stitting on a chair and her silluette is that of the goose! Brilliant.

Dwarf Nose captivated my young children. Wilhelm Hauff was a brilliant talented original fairy tale writer who was a contemporary of the Brothers Grimm. This book is an original fairy tale and not a "knock-off" It's possible that both authors were drawing from oral literature of the period. I thought it was engrossing, my kids loved it and Zwergers illustrations are fantastic