Thumbelina: Tiny Runaway Bride

Like all good independent girls who will grow up to be adventurous, spirited and independent women, Thumbelina doesn't understand why her mother wants to oppress her so much and keep her safe from the big, bad world. Thumbelina decides to venture away from Anne Marie, her desperately clutchy mom, and finds out what the real world has in store for her, good and bad. THUMBELINA, the classic Hans Christian Andersen story, finds a brave, bold and funny new telling in Barbara Ensor's THUMBELINA, TINY RUNAWAY BRIDE. Her Anne Marie wishes plaintively for a child, echoing the attention paid to biological clocks by most of the moms who will read this book. However, when the seed an old witch gives her becomes the brave and freewheeling Thumbelina, Anne Marie does everything she can to keep the child at home and safe in her own guarded environment. Considering that Thumbelina is the size of a human thumb, well, who can blame her? However, on a hot and sultry summer's evening, Thumbelina takes the plunge, moving forth into the crazy world to find that maybe her mom was right after all about the dangers that awaited her. Using the funny and heartfelt personal diary of young Thumbelina, as well as glimpses into the heart and soul of her protective and loving mother, this retelling of the classic story unfolds in an exciting new way. With contemporary vernacular and attitude, it marches the fairy tale into the 21st century and engages modern readers, young and old, with its vivacious and sassy tone and the extremely dangerous and nutty situations that arise for our young protagonist as she ventures into the big bad world. The fantastic style of the book, the hardcover, the trim size, the font and the color all exceed expectations, and its overall look adds to the wonderfully inspired story. It touches on elements that the fairy tale never did, and the volume is a joy just to hold in your hand. Ensor has found a magical way into what could have been a precious but stale story. With artistic details that excite and engage the eye, THUMBELINA is surely a title that will create a lot of traffic to the family bookshelf. --- Reviewed by Jana Siciliano

Once again Ensor's witty and fresh approach to a classic fairy tale captivates the reader and keeps the pages turning. The scumptious illustrations are icing on the cake. A must for every smart girl's bookshelf. I can't wait for the next in the series.

Anne Marie is desperate for a baby, even if it means going to a witch for help. That witch gives Anne Marie a seed, which in no time at all produces a flower holding the tiny Thumbelina. Thumbelina is curious, brave, and extremely adventurous. She doesn't understand why her mother wants to keep her safe and protected all the time when everyone from the outside world seems so nice. But one summer night, she'll begin her journey to find out for herself what the world is truly like. Thumbelina: Tiny Runaway Bride is the perfect book for those questioning minds that always want more than the glossed over and short version of the original tale written by Hans Christian Anderson. Full of details and glimpses into Thumbelina's personal diary, this is one delightful story packed full of details that will satisfy even the most inquisitive reader as we watch Thumbelina escape the most unfortunate engagements as she discovers the world around her and searches for where she truly belongs.

Many know the story of Thumbelina. She is a very tiny girl who one day went on the adventure of a lifetime. She met toads, a mouse, a mole, and a swallow. She also met her true love -- the little king of the flowers. Barbara Ensor takes the classic story and makes some changes of her own, based on her logic of how the story should end. This easy and fast read will be very entertaining to readers of all ages. With only about 150 pages, the reader can learn the entire story of Thumbelina in a short time. The story flows from one scene to another, bringing the classic character of Thumbelina to life. Readers are sure to enjoy this fascinating story re-created by Ms. Ensor. Reviewed by: Steph