Title: Snow White
Author: Paul Heins
Published November 30, 1974
48 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316354509 (ISBN10: 0316354503)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
In Snow White by Paul Heins, readers will be swept away by the timeless tale of a young girl who narrowly escapes death at the hands of a jealous queen. With the help of seven dwarfs, Snow White finds a new home and a chance at happiness, but the queen’s relentless pursuit threatens to upend it all.
Through vivid language and stunning illustrations by Hyman, Heins brings this beloved story to life, capturing the drama and emotion that have captivated readers for generations. Whether young or old, readers will be entranced by this enchanting retelling of Snow White.
Editoral Review
In “Snow White,” published in 1974, Paul Heins offers a retelling of the classic fairy tale of the same name. Heins, a prolific writer and editor who passed away in 2017, has brought his signature style to this beloved narrative, creating a charming and enchanting work of literature that captures the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages.
The plot is familiar to fans of the original fairy tale a beautiful young princess named Snow White falls victim to the machinations of her jealous stepmother, who sends her away to be killed. Snow White escapes and flees to the forest, where she is taken in by a group of seven dwarfs.
Meanwhile, the evil stepmother discovers that Snow White is still alive and attempts to kill her again. In the end, true love triumphs, and the prince saves Snow White from her stepmother’s clutches.
What sets Heins’ retelling apart from other versions of this tale is the depth of character that he brings to his creations. Snow White is not just a delicate and beautiful princess but a complex and sympathetic figure who struggles with loneliness and rejection.
The dwarfs, too, are given more detail, each with their own unique quirks and personalities. Heins’ writing style is richly descriptive, evoking a magical and otherworldly atmosphere that is sure to captivate readers.
His prose is also accessible, making the book a great choice for younger readers who are still developing their reading skills. While there are no major twists or surprises in this familiar tale, Heins’ mastery lies in his ability to create an atmosphere of wonder and enchantment.
He manages to bring a timeless classic to a new generation, while still retaining the elements that make the story so memorable in the first place. One minor drawback to the book is that it can feel a bit simplistic at times.
Readers looking for complexity and depth may find that they are left wanting more. However, given that the book was written with a younger audience in mind, this feels like a minor quibble that should not detract from one’s enjoyment of the story.
Overall, “Snow White” is a charming and beautifully-crafted work of literature that is sure to delight readers of all ages. It is a must-read for those who love fairy tales and for anyone looking for a magical and enchanting escape from the everyday world.
I give it a solid four out of five stars.
