Kate DiCamillo is in her Norse tales phase. I read The Puppets of Spelhorst and wasn't quite as enamored. This one left me with a feeling like this is a special book. There is another one called The Hotel Balzaar. I don't think the stories are connected at all except that they're all in her series of Norendy tales.
The first picture in the book was in color and seemed to be glued in. That was interesting. Also, this is a tale with a typical mean old step mother who is happy to get rid of her. Her father spends his life searching for her and in the end it says there is a status in Denmark with a real working lantern.
The illustrations in this book were very captivating. I found myself wanting to sit and look at them longer than usual. It's a quick read....less than an hour. This is another magical Kate DiCamillo book. She seemed to be channeling Thumbelina, Hansel and Gretel, and Alice in Wonderland in a dark and magical way.
Goodreads says:
Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo reunites with two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall in an original fairy tale set in the world of The Puppets of Spelhorst and The Hotel Balzaar.
When a shoemaker discovers a tiny girl (as small as a mouse!) in his shop, he takes her in, names her Evangeline, and raises her as his own. The shoemaker’s wife, however, fears that Evangeline has bewitched her husband, so when an opportunity arises to rid herself of the girl, she takes it. Evangeline finds herself far from her adopted father and her home, a tiny girl lost in the wide world. But she is brave, and she is resourceful, and with the help of those she meets on her journey—including a disdainful and self-satisfied cat—she may just find her way again. Return to the magical land of Norendy in this third original fairy tale by renowned storyteller Kate DiCamillo, perfect for savoring alone or for reading aloud with someone you love. Graced with exquisite black-and-white illustrations by Sophie Blackall, this timeless story of a girl and her father will make you believe in the impossible.
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