meryt's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
sanaastoria's review against another edition
4.0
[4 Stars] I loved the first 2 stories along with the last one. The third story was just meh for me, and I really disliked the artwork for it. Apart from that this was awesome and a lot of fairy tale fun!
carroq's review against another edition
5.0
First of all, I picked this up on a whim. I saw it at the library and grabbed it because it had Jim Henson's name on it without really knowing anything about it. Second, I won't say that this is necessarily better than the books I've been reviewing lately at 4/5. I enjoyed it immensely though and that's good enough for me.
Witches is a collection of stories based on folk and fairy tales. Each of the four stories features a witch in some way and has a different writer. Some of these are adapted quite a bit from their original format because they are being told in a different medium. Despite the difficulty of adapting them, I thought they worked very well. The setting for the stories is varied, as is the artwork associated with each one.
The illustrations are absolutely what enamored me about these stories. They are beautiful pieces that evoke multiple emotions. The different approach to the illustrations sets them apart in a great way. I'm not sure if it was purposeful, but each story seems to represent one of the four seasons. It's a subtle aspect to them that helps tie them together, aside from the obvious witch connection. I would definitely read this one again.
Witches is a collection of stories based on folk and fairy tales. Each of the four stories features a witch in some way and has a different writer. Some of these are adapted quite a bit from their original format because they are being told in a different medium. Despite the difficulty of adapting them, I thought they worked very well. The setting for the stories is varied, as is the artwork associated with each one.
The illustrations are absolutely what enamored me about these stories. They are beautiful pieces that evoke multiple emotions. The different approach to the illustrations sets them apart in a great way. I'm not sure if it was purposeful, but each story seems to represent one of the four seasons. It's a subtle aspect to them that helps tie them together, aside from the obvious witch connection. I would definitely read this one again.
a_chickletz's review against another edition
3.0
Another Storyteller book, slightly better than the last one but still lacking!
Where as this time I liked the stories, the fact that they were very short hurt them. Including the illustrated screenplay of Anthony Minghella's Valissa the Beautiful. LIKE, I know that all of it couldn't be adapted, but honest to god some of the stuff that was left on the cutting floor was important and without it it confused me. Thankfully the screenplay was included in the book. (UGH. I weep reading The Storyteller's endearing sentences and imagine John Hurt saying them.)
Reading these stories makes me sad that The Storyteller was amazing but so shortly lived. My heart yearns for that day when the Henson Company decides to bring it back and even with or without John Hurt: allow someone to tell us stories once more with gorgeous cinematography, great guest stars and beautiful folk and faerie tales. It'd not only rival Disney but allow puppetry to return to it's rightful place among our imaginations once more.
Overall, MUCH stronger than the previous Storyteller book but still lacking the charm. Buy it for the un-produced screenplay and the gorgeous art.
Where as this time I liked the stories, the fact that they were very short hurt them. Including the illustrated screenplay of Anthony Minghella's Valissa the Beautiful. LIKE, I know that all of it couldn't be adapted, but honest to god some of the stuff that was left on the cutting floor was important and without it it confused me. Thankfully the screenplay was included in the book. (UGH. I weep reading The Storyteller's endearing sentences and imagine John Hurt saying them.)
Reading these stories makes me sad that The Storyteller was amazing but so shortly lived. My heart yearns for that day when the Henson Company decides to bring it back and even with or without John Hurt: allow someone to tell us stories once more with gorgeous cinematography, great guest stars and beautiful folk and faerie tales. It'd not only rival Disney but allow puppetry to return to it's rightful place among our imaginations once more.
Overall, MUCH stronger than the previous Storyteller book but still lacking the charm. Buy it for the un-produced screenplay and the gorgeous art.
ameve2's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
chelseymarie's review against another edition
3.0
Pro: includes a comic based on an unproduced episode of the show, as well as the script. Con: half of the stories don’t include the storyteller at all, which kind of defeats the purpose of having them be Storyteller stories.
barefootsong's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful stories and beautiful illustrations. I love The Storyteller and this collection does a good job of echoing the spirit of the show, with both interesting tales and meditations on the art of storytelling.