02/25/2019
Nadler updates a lesser-known Grimm’s tale with diverse characters, compassion for animals, and a feminist hero. Randall, a young servant, loves canny Princess Tilda, but her father, King Arnold, is a neurotic tyrant. Sent by Arnold to spy on a neighboring kingdom, Randall discovers that King Boris dines on white snake; after Randall tries some, he finds that he can understand the language of animals, allowing him, en route home, to assist and save many. And when Tilda persuades Arnold to invite suitors to compete for her hand, the creatures offer Randall help in return. Nadler’s crisp, neatly laid-out panel artwork is easy to follow, with moments of video-game-like adventure, and bites of magic food produce a hilariously trippy effect as pulsing rainbow halos appear around the eaters’ heads. In an afterword, comic artist Paul Karasik offers context for the modernized components, in particular “girl power,” and makes a case for the free retelling of traditional stories—a sign of more to come, perhaps. Ages 8–up. (May)
"Nadler updates a lesser-known Grimm’s tale with diverse characters, compassion for animals, and a feminist hero. Randall, a young servant, loves canny Princess Tilda, but her father, King Arnold, is a neurotic tyrant. Sent by Arnold to spy on a neighboring kingdom, Randall discovers that King Boris dines on white snake; after Randall tries some, he finds that he can understand the language of animals, allowing him, en route home, to assist and save many. And when Tilda persuades Arnold to invite suitors to compete for her hand, the creatures offer Randall help in return. Nadler’s crisp, neatly laid-out panel artwork is easy to follow, with moments of video-game-like adventure, and bites of magic food produce a hilariously trippy effect as pulsing rainbow halos appear around the eaters’ heads. In an afterword, comic artist Paul Karasik offers context for the modernized components, in particular “girl power,” and makes a case for the free retelling of traditional stories—a sign of more to come, perhaps." - Publishers Weekly
"What a dish Ben Nadler has served us! A white snake that empowers a servant with the ability to understand insects, birds and other animals and to communicate with them. Nadler's revision of this wonderful Grimms' tale reinforces themes that are just as significant today, if not more so, than in the past: kindness to animals and nature, the brutality of tyranny and sexism, and the affection between people of different races and classes. Lovingly illustrated, this is a story that will touch the hearts of all readers." - Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus, Universityof Minnesota
"Nadler makes this tale fresh, multiethnic, and accessible to younger children. His shrewdest update is the transformation of Princess Tilda from a prize-to-be-won supporting character into an adept and capable ruler who directly challenges her father's outdated belief that a woman is incapable of wielding power well." - Kirkus Reviews
"Ben Nadler retells one of my favorite fairy tales … turning it into a fast-paced and irreverent graphic novel. The result is funny, engaging and an absolute delight. " — Kelly Barnhill, New York Times Book Review
“Nadler has reinterpreted the Grimms’ fairy tale for 2019, playing with gender roles and cultural representation in the process … this presentation will certainly better resonate with young readers today … You’ll almost certainly come away smiling from ear to ear.” — Jamie Greene, The Roarbots
“The White Snake, even with Nadler's smart (and funny) tweaks, this old tale, first collected by the Brothers Grimm in their first edition of the German folk and fairy tales in 1812, stays strange - and delightful!” — BOOKS4YOURKIDS
"Creator Ben Nadler has turned this timeless tale into a modern version that will resonate and delight today’s young readers." - Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal
"This lesser-known Grimms' tale gets a contemporary facelift with a diverse cast, feminist heroes, and emphasis on the natural world. The brightly colored panels are simply drawn but feature hidden surprises and humorous details. Endearing characters and plenty of adventure make this a highly appealing adaptation. Includes an overview of fairy tales and an analysis of this iteration and the original tale." - Booklist
2019-03-03
A brave servant seeks adventure and the hand of a princess in this modern adaptation of a lesser known Grimms' tale.
Randall wants to do more with his life than serve at the beck and call of King Arnold, a ruler so self-absorbed that he would rather focus on having paintings hung than ruling his kingdom. His opportunity comes when Arnold sends him on a covert mission to Borisylvania to discover their king's secret for ruling so justly. Randall's sleuthing leads to his eating a piece of the eponymous white snake and gaining the power to understand animals. Returning to Arnold, Randall begins a quest for the princess's hand in marriage that demonstrates the value of kindness and truly listening to others. Using comic-book-style graphics and panels, Nadler makes this tale fresh, multiethnic, and accessible to younger children. The artist is an expert at using facial expressions to draw out the tale's humor and pathos. His shrewdest update, however, is the transformation of Princess Tilda from a prize-to-be-won supporting character into an adept and capable ruler who directly challenges her father's outdated belief that a woman is incapable of wielding power well. This shift makes the relationship between Tilda and Randall a mutual meeting of the minds rather than a means for his social advancement. Randall has light brown skin and brown hair; Arnold and Tilda present black; the rulers of Borisylvania present white.
A sweet and amusing update. (Graphic fairy tale. 8-12)
06/21/2019
Gr 3–5-A lesser-known Grimm fairy tale receives a feminist update in this colorful graphic novel retelling. Underdog servant Randall dutifully attempts to accomplish the tasks given to him by King Arnold, a controlling monarch with regressive (nay, misogynistic) views on gender and class. When King Arnold's capable, levelheaded daughter Tilda (a much more shallow character in the original tale) offers to attend to the kingdom's guests, he indignantly retorts, "That's no job for a young woman. You will marry a worthy suitor and be his faithful wife as he rules." When Tilda threatens to run away to the next kingdom over, King Arnold sends Randall to spy on Borisylvania to learn why King Boris is so beloved. Randall unwittingly gains the ability to speak with animals when he covertly eats a piece of a mysterious white snake. His kindness toward animals pays off when the creatures come to his aid in his times of need. Bright colors and silly creatures hiding in the background will encourage repeated readings. VERDICT Readers who delight in fairy tales, hero stories, quests, and fantastic magic will find Randall's story fascinating. A unique and contemporary reimagining of a Grimm tale.
