chris riddell the sleeper and the spindle

Chris Riddell's illustrations are simply incredible, dark, luscious and filled with intricate detail that match the tone of the words exactly. His female protagonists are powerful and in charge of their destiny, a far cry from the usual female role in a fairy tale.Įvery page is filled with magic and menace as the story winds towards its climax. Neil Gaiman weaves a tale in which 'happy ever after' is not the end, and beauty and youth should not be trusted as a sign of innocence and goodness. This magnificent book combines two well-known fairy tales and challenges everything familiar about them. But things in this far away kingdom are not as they seem, and rescuing the princess may not result in a happy ever after.

Postponing the wedding and swapping her sumptuous gown for chainmail armour she sets off with the dwarves to locate the sleeping princess whose curse is engulfing the land. When three dwarves inform her of a sleeping sickness that is travelling over the mountains causing everything in its path to fall into a deep, deep slumber, the queen knows she must act to save her people. Adding to the wonder are Chris Riddell’s dazzling illustrations.In a magical land far away, a beautiful young queen prepares for her wedding, wondering if these will be the last few days she has control of her life and unsure if she really wants to get married. “Unabashedly feminist.So sonically tuned that it breathes on its own from the very first line. seem to writhe creepily on the page.” - Wall Street Journal “A striking volume.thrums with malevolence and confounds our expectations. His details are exquisite.” - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) “A wholly original reimagining.Riddell’s artwork is the reason a library should own this title in their collection. “Riddell’s spectacularly intricate ink drawings, gilded with gold, bring Gaiman’s inventive story to life.This highly recommended visually stunning twist on two classic fairy tales will be well received by fans of graphic novels and fantasy stories.” - School Library Journal (starred review) “A spectacular art object.certainly a treasure.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “A genuine treat.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Unforgettable, unpredictable and utterly enchanting for anyone between the ages of seven and seventy.” - Amanda Craig, The New Statesman “Magical, sumptuous, transporting.” - The Big Issue “Spellbindingly illustrated.” - Gaby Wood, Saturday Telegraph “A refreshing, much-needed twist on a classic story.” - The Guardian “Told in a way only Gaiman can” and featuring “stunning metallic artwork.” - GeekInsider “Gaiman and Riddell’s greatest to date.” - Tor.com

Chris riddell the sleeper and the spindle