The Great Quillow

For me the ORIGINAL illustrations by Doris Lee are essential to the book. They're the ones chosen by Thurber himself. For many fond readers of the original, the most recent version (with the illustrations by Steven Kellogg) will be a sad disappointment. In a book like this where the illustrations are as important as the words, the wonderfulness of both in the original publication was particularly magical. Perhaps if one came upon the Kellogg version without being aware of the original one wouldn't know what was being missed, but for me it's like reading Laura Ingalls Wilder or E.B. White's 'children's' books without the Garth Williams drawings. It isn't clear to me why a publisher would do this. So at least be aware there are two versions and make sure you're getting the one you're expecting. Absolutely no offense meant to Mr. Kellogg (I certainly wouldn't want to be the 2nd illustrator of Stuart Little or Charlotte's Web or Little House in The Big Woods) but from my point of view I very much agree with James, an earlier reviewer who made the same point. The Doris Lee illustrations are magical and sweet in the best minimalist senses of the words. From the original reader point of view the new illustrations might even be said to miss the point of the words, or refute them, and are really rather frightening in comparison, in a way they shouldn't be. Very distressing to Quillowites.

Originally penned by the irrepressible James Thurber in 1944, "The Great Quillow" comes to life once more through the skillfully quixotic paintings of Stephen Kellogg. Don't miss this superb recreation of the story of the little toymaker who becomes a hero when he saves his village from menacing giants.

As a fifth grader,I was enthralled by this book, partially because of the illustrations in the orginal edition. I have thought of it often during the past 55 years (I am now almost 64) and was overjoyed when I found that it was avaiable, and in print. I ordered it, and waited for it to arrive with eager anticipation. Imagine my horror when it arrived with illustrations totally out of keeping with the spirit of the Great Quillow, and certainly a far cry fro the originals. The great Quillow was a peaceful person, did not require force of arms or strength to overcome the Giant. The ugly and distorted illustrations in the new editions are a travesty. Is there any way to find a copy of the original edition?

Even though the story is rather long (it takes me about 30 minutes to read it aloud cover to cover), it keeps our children fully engaged, and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic. This is one of those books we will always keep and pass on from one generation to the next.

Marvelous illustrations. Great story about how brains can win out over braun. The Great Quillow is a character to be admired. Told with humor and feeling. I purchased my own copy to keep. One of the best.