From Publishers Weekly
redelivered Two books illustrated by Viennese artist Lisbeth Zwerger are being reissued in dual editions: The Deliverers of Their Country by E. Nesbit, a tale of two children who save England from an unwelcome dragon infestation, and the uncanny and witty The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde. Zwerger's full-page watercolors in muted tones are both ethereal and sure, fanciful and somber. They bring out the delightful oddities of each tale.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5 First published in Strand Magazine in 1899, this story appeared in Nesbit's The Complete Book of Dragons (Macmillan, 1973; o.p.) with pen-and-ink illustrations by Erik Blegvad. Two children save England from being overrun by dragons. Captured by a large child-eating dragon and taken to a cave, they discover the "Universal Tap-room." They half turn off the tap labeled "Sunshine" and turn on the ones called "Fair to moderate" and "Showery" since dragons cannot survive in such weather, "and both taps stuck. . .which accounts for our climate." This single-story edition features large-size pages printed on fine quality paper and 11 beautifully composed watercolors. Zwerger's illustrations enhance the story, which is probably best read to a child who can sit close enough to the reader to examine the pale, evocative pictures closely. Text covers each entire facing page and could be intimidating, thus the book's best use is as a read-aloud. British terminology is generally understood in context, and the turn-of-the-century costuming adds interest. Nesbit's humor and distinctive clear style carry the story briskly along, while Zwerger's illustrations lend it great charm. Susan H. Patron, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
