Customer Reviews:
 Another Gem May 28, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
My two year old just adores Anthony Browne's books and this is a special favourite with the wonderful illustrations which are so detailed and intricate. A visual gem.
The story definitely has a dark and almost scary feeling to it but he just revels in finding all the different things hidden in the forest. Each time we open the book there is another just waiting to be found.
Another masterpiece and an introduction to the wonderful subtly of black and white images.
 Really horrible May 13, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
Maybe I just don't get it, but... I don't get it. The story is horrible, there's no reason for the scary things, there's no wit or clever pay-off, nothing that makes you think of real people or real emotion, nothing a child would like. I bought this after reading a recommendation, and I won't even be reading it to my daughter, because I know what she likes (Quentin Blake's 70s books, obsessively) and they're happy, lovely stories. Not that she doesn't like something a bit waspish and thrilling, or tart and cynical. But this isn't any of those things, it's - just - not nice!
Fantastic story with outstanding illustrations March 10, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
This book is a literary and visual gem. It deals with a young child's imagination as he ventures into the forest to face his fears. Anthony Browne creates a book literally crammed full of enchantment. The illustrations are extraordinary - if you look very carefully in every picture, you will find a haunting remnant from a fairytale - three bears creeping through the woods, an axe stuck in a tree, Cinderella's lost slipper... Combining all the traditional forest fairytales (Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, Hansel & Gretel, The Three Little Pigs) with Jack & the Beanstalk, Snow White, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, the book is eerie and sinister, but a happy ending awaits the reader. This book is well written and beautifully illustrated. As a teacher, I feel that this story should be shared with as many children as possible for its thematic content and enchanting illustrations (and the adults will fall in love with it too!) Very highly recommended!
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