The Water of Life: A Tale from the Brothers Grimm

This book is extraordinary in every way! The retelling of the story is superb in detail and pacing; the illustrations (by a now-favorite illustrator Trina Schart Hyman) are immaculate. I actually got this book simply on the strength of Ms. Hyman's recommendation; which is to say, if she chose to illustrate it, that's good enough for me. She has very high standards for her authors! And this book did not disappoint. Barbara Rogasky's writing is precise, beautiful, and rings true. I cannot recommend this one highly enough for your first grader. It will remain a favorite for many years to come.

I am a fan of fairy tales. And I love to share my passion for a good story with my son. My 5 year-old loved this book from the first reading. It is not a short read for a 5 year-old, but it held his attention again and again. It is one of his favorites.I bought this book because I love the illustrations of Ms. Hyman. We have read "Bearskin" by Howard Pyle, "Little Red Ridinghood", and "The Fortune Teller", all illustrated by Ms. Hyman. Her colors are vibrant and exciting. It seems that every book Ms. Hyman is involved with includes a great story and a great story teller."The Water of Life" has it all, love, tests and trials, devotion, greed, and betrayal. It gives us, mother and son, lots to talk about. I recommend this book heartily.

I am amazed that I never heard about this story until I was over 40 years old! This is an excellent book for teaching children the value of being loving and kind. I recently attended a talk on heroes at work and this book was mentioned. I am so glad that I purchased a copy because it will encourage me (and hopefully some friends that borrow it) that we can be heroes to those around us.

My daughter who is getting her Master's in Art asked for this book for Christmas. She adores Trina Schart Hyman illustrations. I really loved this book. The illustrations are really beautiful with many little interesting things to pick out in them. Children will find the scene from the enchanted castle especially fun. All the princes are sitting frozen in time at a banquet table. One is a frog, one a unicorn, another has butterfly wings, etc. Most of the pictures have a dark cast to them but the last one of the wedding is bright and cheery with little children wearing red costumes and throwing pink petals. The bridal couple are gorgeously dressed too. Moral of the story: Be kind and good and you will achieve true happiness.