FICTION

The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

by Selma LAGERLÖF
adapted by Kochka. illus. by Olivier Latyk. 64p. ebook available. words & pictures. Sept. 2016. Tr $19.95. ISBN 9781910277195.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Adapted and handsomely illustrated, this newly released version of Lagerlöf's classic Swedish tale unfortunately loses something in the retelling. Stripped of much of the rich, descriptive text that is the story's hallmark, the resulting narrative feels choppy and incomplete. Lagerlöf's original work, published in 1907, was intended as a primary reader for children, seamlessly incorporating an abundance of information about Sweden's geography and flora and fauna into an engrossing adventure. Without those details, the narrative moves roughly from place to place, bypassing whole chapters of the original. That said, the volume is beautifully crafted, with several stunning laser-cut overlays that are a delight to encounter among the nostalgically designed illustrations.
VERDICT Much like a Disney adaptation, this offering is in no way comparable to the original but might serve as an attractive impetus to rediscovering the classic. The gorgeous artwork is a draw, and the book is an adequate introduction.
Reviewed by Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library , Feb 01, 2017

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