{"id":29054,"date":"2016-04-07T23:49:38","date_gmt":"2016-04-08T03:49:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=29054"},"modified":"2016-04-07T23:49:38","modified_gmt":"2016-04-08T03:49:38","slug":"review-of-the-most-wonderful-thing-in-the-world-by-vivian-french-and-angela-barrett","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonderbooks.com\/blog\/?p=29054","title":{"rendered":"Review of The Most Wonderful Thing in the World, by Vivian French and Angela Barrett"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"most_wonderful_thing_in_the_world_large\"<\/a>The Most Wonderful Thing in the World<\/em><\/p>\n

by Vivian French
\nillustrated by Angela Barrett<\/p>\n

Candlewick Press, 2015. 32 pages.
\nStarred Review<\/p>\n

This is a fairy tale retold in \u201cthe time of your grandmother\u2019s grandmother.\u201d The beautiful paintings show clothing from the early twentieth century or late nineteenth century (I\u2019m sure the illustrator could tell you precisely which). The paintings portray a Venice-like kingdom with a city set on a lagoon.<\/p>\n

The king and queen decide that to find their daughter a husband, they will look for a young man who can show them the most wonderful thing in the world.<\/p>\n

While princes and courtiers are bringing marvels to the king and queen (and here the illustrations are amazing), Princess Lucia has decided to see the city and to learn about its people.<\/p>\n

Salvatore is the grandson of Wise Old Angelo, who gave the king and queen the advice. Salvatore brought the letter, and he\u2019s sitting outside when the princess ventures out.<\/p>\n

As Lucia came running out of the palace, she saw Salvatore sitting on the wall, playing with a little tabby cat.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, she said, pulling her cloak closer to cover her silk dress, \u201cdo you know the city?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salvatore smiled proudly, \u201cOf course! I have lived in the kingdom all my life. Nobody knows the city better than I do, pretty lady. North, south, east, and west.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you show it to me?\u201d Lucia asked. \u201cToday?\u201d<\/p>\n

Salvatore was surprised. \u201cBut it would take longer than a day. Much longer.\u201d<\/p>\n

The princess put her hand on his coat sleeve. \u201cPlease?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man bowed low. \u201cI am Salvatore, pretty lady, and I am entirely at your service. Today, tomorrow, and the next day, until you have seen all that you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d said the princess, and they walked away toward the heart of the city.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You can see where this is going! But the natural progression is carried out so beautifully and satisfyingly. The suitors bring some truly amazing things, but none of them is the most wonderful thing in the world. What the answer is, of course, is perfect.<\/p>\n

The paintings in this book are very small and detailed, though truly wonderful, so it wouldn\u2019t necessarily work for reading to a large group.<\/p>\n

But anyone who likes an illustrated fairy tale will find a treasure in this book.<\/p>\n

candlewick.com <\/a><\/p>\n

Buy from Amazon.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Find this review on Sonderbooks<\/a> at: www.sonderbooks.com\/Picture_Books\/most_wonderful_thing_in_the_world.html<\/a><\/p>\n

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.<\/p>\n

Source: This review is based on a library book from Fairfax County Public Library.<\/p>\n

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but I maintain my website and blogs on my own time. The views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.<\/p>\n

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