The SPIRIT OF THE BLUE LIGHT - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Michael, an out-of-work soldier, wanders into a forest where he helps an old man. As reward, Lawrence, the old man, leads Michael to a treasure cave that only the innocent can enter, telling him to leave the silver and gold, but to take the blue light if he finds it. Michael does, Lawrence disappears, and the spirit of the lamp does Michael's bidding, including bringing a princess, nightly, to his room. Finding out, the king orders Michael's death. As a final wish, Michael asks to smoke, and sends for the lamp. The rest is happily ever after. Mayer's story is based on the Grimms' "The Blue Light" and, to a lesser extent, Andersen's "The Tinder Box," with major differences: instead of killing his benefactor, Michael is grateful, and the servant of the flame is a wizard rather than saucer-eyed dogs. Mayer's copyright will last 50 years. Will others be free to play fast and loose with the originals, giving no credit? The resin-color wash with egg tempera illustrations are textured pastels, using subtle coloring (primarily blue warmed with russet), gracefully drawn people, mid-seventeenth century costume and setting, as well as wonderfully organic trees, rocks, and crystals. Large double-page spreads are contained in simple line borders, enhancing the composition. --Helen Gregory, Grosse Pointe Public Library, MI
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.