A beautifully illustrated collection of six stories by Oscar Wilde, perfect for children aged 4–11 and beyond.
The six stories included are: The Selfish Giant, The Happy Prince, The Devoted Friend, The Nightingale and the Rose, The Remarkable Rocket, and The Young King.
I especially enjoyed the descriptive language. It vividly brings each image to life. I particularly love the description of the moment when the Young King is troubled by his nightmare:
“And when the young King heard this he gave a great cry, and woke, and through the window he saw the long grey fingers of the dawn clutching at the fading stars.”
As his coronation day approaches, the Young King dreams about where his robe, ruby crown, and pearls come from. Does he really need these to become a king?
While The Devoted Friend and The Remarkable Rocket tell bizarre, satirical, and humorous stories, The Happy Prince and The Nightingale and the Rose explore the worth of love, kindness, and art. These virtues often come at a great cost, only to be dismissed as “useless” by conventional standards.
“Give me a red rose,” she cried, “and I will sing you my sweetest song.”
Why does the Nightingale exchange her song for a red rose? At what cost? Is it worth it? And how is the red rose, bought at such a price, ultimately treated?
“So they pulled down the statue of the Happy Prince. ‘As he is no longer beautiful, he is no longer useful,’ said the Art Professor at the University.”
But when was the Happy Prince truly happy or sad? He gave himself to others, and the Swallow stayed with him out of love.
The Selfish Giant is simply beautiful in every way.
Book: Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children by Oscar Wilde
Illustrated by: Lauren O’Hara
Thank you to Little Island Books Ltd. (@littleislandbks) and NetGalley (@NetGalley) for this eARC.