Lionel and the Book of Beasts - Hardcover

Grade 2–4—Inga Moore's retelling (Candlewick, 2001) substituted simple American English in a heavily abridged version of Nesbit's The Book of Beasts that effectively maintained some of its sweet humor. Now Hague uses his signature, elaborately detailed art to present a more somber abridged version (only minor textual changes from Moore's book) that may appeal to older children who like to be slightly scared. A large, fierce-looking red dragon dominates a couple of spreads. The luxurious details in the paintings depicting various town and landscape scenes include an elegant carriage drawn by eight white horses, a fountain holding up a gold-colored elephant, and a swan floating in a pond in a garden filled with statuary and urns. Interior details reveal a library with books overflowing onto the floor and chairs, elegant furniture, wooden toys, a lush bear pelt, and a clever portrayal of the little prince being mesmerized by the magic in the Book of Beasts. For libraries that do not have Moore's lighthearted romp, this version will please most children.—Kirsten Cutler, Sonoma County Library, CA
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