Book Review Summary: East of the Sun, West of the Moon (Usborne Young Reading Series 2)

Introduction

"East of the Sun, West of the Moon" is a captivating retelling of a traditional Norwegian fairy tale, skillfully adapted by Susanna Davidson for young readers. This beautifully illustrated book from the Usborne Young Reading Series 2 takes readers on a magical journey with a young girl and a great white bear as they visit enchanted castles and overcome challenges to save her love from a troll queen. With its short chapters, descriptive illustrations, and moral lessons, this book has captured the hearts of both children and adults alike.

About Susanna Davidson

Susanna Davidson, also known as Zanna Davidson, is a talented author who has been writing books for Usborne Publishing since joining almost straight out of university. With a wide range of topics from dinosaurs to the Queen to Fairy Ponies and tiny monsters, she has established herself as a versatile writer. In addition to her writing career, Davidson is also a mother of two boys and works from home, where she spends her time talking to her dog and trying not to eat too much cheese. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, making her a beloved author among young readers.

Analysis of Views

1. Engaging retelling: Readers praise the book for its engaging retelling of the traditional Norwegian fairy tale, making it suitable for young children while still capturing the essence of the original story.
2. Beautiful illustrations: The book's illustrations, created by Petra Brown, are described as beautiful and evocative, adding depth and richness to the story. The illustrations are appreciated for their ability to help readers imagine the magical world and characters.
3. Short chapters and descriptive language: Readers appreciate the short chapters and descriptive language used in the book. The chapters are deemed perfect for young readers, while the language is enjoyable for adults to read along with their children.
4. Moral lessons: The book's moral lessons, such as not judging others and listening during important times, resonate with readers of all ages. These lessons add depth and meaning to the story, making it more than just a simple fairy tale.
5. Nostalgia and childhood memories: Some readers express their love for this book because it brings back fond memories from their childhood. They appreciate the nostalgia it evokes and the emotional connection it creates with their past experiences.
6. Enjoyable reading experience: Readers find the book enjoyable to read, praising its easy chapter structure and the ability to read it quickly. They also appreciate the descriptive illustrations that enhance their reading experience.
7. Lack of originality: Some readers feel that the retelling does not add much new to the original story, leaving them feeling unsatisfied with the lack of originality in the adaptation. They wish for a more unique twist or additional elements to make it stand out more.
8. Over-sanitization and anthropomorphism: A few readers express disappointment with the adaptation's attempt to make the story more child-friendly by sanitizing certain elements. They feel that this changes the original essence of the fairy tale and diminishes its magical quality. Additionally, some readers feel that the anthropomorphism of certain characters, such as the bear walking on two legs instead of four, takes away from their authenticity.
9. Limited appeal: A few readers find that this edition may not be suitable for older readers who are looking for more complex or challenging literature. They feel that it caters more to younger children and lacks depth for older readers who seek more mature storytelling.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Engaging retelling: The book's engaging retelling captures the hearts of both children and adults alike, making it a perfect read-aloud book for families or classroom settings.
2. Beautiful illustrations: The stunning illustrations by Petra Brown add depth and richness to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience for young readers.
3. Short chapters and descriptive language: The short chapters and descriptive language make it an accessible read for young children while still providing enjoyment for adults who read along with them.
4. Moral lessons: The moral lessons embedded in the story provide valuable life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages, making it a valuable addition to any family's bookshelf.
5. Nostalgia and childhood memories: For those who cherish their childhood memories, this book holds a special place in their hearts, bringing back fond memories and creating new ones through its captivating storytelling.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Lack of originality: Some readers feel that the retelling does not add much new to the original story, leaving them feeling unsatisfied with its lack of originality or unique twists. They wish for more creativity in the adaptation.
2. Over-sanitization and anthropomorphism: A few readers express disappointment with the adaptation's attempt to make the story more child-friendly by sanitizing certain elements or anthropomorphizing characters. They feel that this changes the original essence of the fairy tale and diminishes its magical quality.
3. Limited appeal: A few readers find that this edition may not be suitable for older readers who are looking for more complex or challenging literature. They feel that it caters more to younger children and lacks depth for older readers who seek more mature storytelling.

Conclusion

"East of the Sun, West of the Moon" by Susanna Davidson is a delightful retelling of a traditional Norwegian fairy tale that captivates both children and adults alike. With its engaging retelling, beautiful illustrations, short chapters, descriptive language, moral lessons, nostalgic appeal, and enjoyable reading experience, this book has won over many readers who appreciate its captivating storytelling and enchanting world of magic. While some readers express disappointment with its lack of originality or over-sanitization, others find it a charming adaptation that brings back fond memories from their childhood. Overall, "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" is a highly recommended read for those seeking a magical adventure filled with enchanting characters and timeless lessons.