The Little Mermaid
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley December 12, 2013
Author Robert Sabuda
Distributor:
ISBN: 9781471118586
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date:
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.co.uk
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Occasionally I do a review from a personal perspective and this is one of them. I am in awe of this talent which can create magic out of paper, transforming a traditional much loved tale into something unique.
I have long been a great fan of pop-up books, as much for the story as the mystique that makes them work and this one would have to be the most glorious pop-up book I have ever seen or read.
It is a very special book designed to enchant; destined to become a much treasured item of any child who is lucky enough to be given one this Christmas or in the years to come.
I am not sure I have the words to be able to do justice to this magnificent adaption of the beloved tale of The Little Mermaid without sounding trite and ordinary. This is the last thing I would want to be about this magnificent book which has given a new dimension to this traditional tale of love and loss; one of glorious awe at the craftsmanship that can create something so very special.
Billed as a Pop-up book, which it certainly is, it is also a masterpiece of engineering allowing each page to come to life with a magnificently rendered paper cut out; the first one being the underwater world of the Little Mermaid.
Not content with just the one cut-out per page, Robert Sabuda has created a separate treasure chest in each section containing the story line and yet more miniature pop-ups designed to enhance and enchant.
Each cut-out is very large, other than the little ones in the booklets, standing well proud of the pages and presented in fine detail: the pirate ship has rigging and the beautiful alter is created in fine detail. Angels appear from the pages as do many of the other characters in the story adding a completely new charm to this much loved tale originally penned by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson in about 1837.
I simply love it. It is a very special book designed to enchant and destined to become a much treasured item of any child who is lucky enough to be given one this Christmas or in the years to come.