Wild Swans

by Xanthe Gresham Knight, Charlotte Gastaut (Illustrator)

Young Eliza and her eleven brothers lives are transformed when a plague ravages the Kingdom of the North and kills their mother, the Queen. When their father remarries, their brilliant and unusual new stepmother becomes obsessed with finding a cure for the plague and protecting her new family ? so obsessed that she decides to turn the boys into swans so they can fly away from the plague, and to send Eliza to a far-away village the plague hasnt touched. Years later, the Queen discovers a cure for the plague just before she dies from it herself. With the kingdom in chaos, its up to teenaged Eliza to find her brothers, break the Queens spell on them, return home to cure the plague ? and claim her rightful place in the kingdom!

Genres: Fantasy, Picture Books, Childrens, Fairy Tales, Classics, Retellings

48 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Ceillie Simkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple retelling of a familiar story.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This new retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "Wild Swans" is both magical and down to earth. Eliza's eleven brothers are turned into swans by their stepmother, not as an act of evil but to spare them from the plague. So, no evil stepmothers in this version! The drama of the brothers' nightly return to human form remains, along with Eliza's efforts to free them from the spell after their stepmother dies (of the plague). I like that the story combines the magic of the spell with the human tragedy of the plague. The illustrations are breathtaking, some in black and white, and some in gorgeous deep colors, both with copious gold leaf. The art situates the story in an unnamed Eastern European setting, with folk art elements.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Luminous illustrations complement this adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Anderson fairytale about a princes and her 11 older brothers. I really enjoyed this simplified version of the story. Even though it contains all the elements of the original, readers won't miss some of the complications that were in that one. At its heart, of course, the story focuses on love, loyalty, and magic, and the dedication of one sister to do anything in her power to help her brothers.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet and simple re-telling of the Hans Christen Anderson story. This version does not really change much of the story which makes it perfect to hand to readers who are not as familiar with that particular fairy-tale. The beautiful illustrations add to the story.

ARC provided by the publisher

[Laura Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many variations of this tale but this version is definitely my favorite. The stepmother NOT a villain? Unique and a lovely change. Eliza NOT marrying the young king and going home to rule, while remaining platonic friends with him? A refreshing change.

The illustrations are also gorgeous.

[Jaime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the illustrations but this retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale left much to be desired.

[Melissa Flanagin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite fairy tales. This picture book is so visually stunning.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breathtaking folk art style illustrations! Nice updated retelling of a personal favorite.

[Alejandra Santana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple retelling of a myth. Beautiful illustrations

[aj.svn1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my younger sister. It's wonderful.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun fairy tale, this book series has short stories great for upper elementary. I really enjoyed this retelling of this story.

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know the story, but the illustrations are what make this new and fresh. Barefoot Books are still as amazing as when I first was introduced to it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations! Not my favorite telling of the story, but a good one.

[India C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a sweet retelling

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Might use this for a Great Reads book club.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly beautiful re-imagining of this tale. I particularly loved the redemptive treatment of the stepmother. Wonderful.

[marcymariereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple retelling of a classic story. Buddy read with my daughter. She enjoyed it. Illustrations are beautiful.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations. A young woman knitting to save her brothers who is accused of being a witch? Right up my alley. Told like classic folklore.

[daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

found this in the library - utterly gorgeous illustrations !

[Michael Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was amazing. I love little gems like this. I would highly recommend this to other children!

[Mrs C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m partial to this classic tale so it pretty much can do no wrong. We have the loving princess and her 11 brothers and the enchantment that pulses at the heart of the story. There are quite a few changes that makes this book fresh and worth a look.

Access to review copy provided by the publisher.

[Christina Bell]

Hans Christian Andersen’s story retold. An interesting story. Not one I have heard before. A story that allows the girl to be the one rescuing.