The Tinderbox (review)

This familiar Andersen tale is retold here by the same team that collaborated on The Nightingale (BCCB 11/02). Mitchell follows Andersen's plot, telling of a soldier who tricks a witch out of her tinderbox, then uses its wish-granting power to call up magical dogs, view a princess, and, finally, save his own life. Mitchell's stately retelling retains the traditional tone and pacing of Andersen's tale and moves steadily through the episodes, treating the violence with calm straightforwardness. Ibatoulline's line-and-watercolor illustrations have the flavor of nineteenth-century engravings; the oversized compositions are densely detailed with elaborate, formal linework that adds depth and dimension both to the landscapes and the portraiture. The balance of restrained elegance and larger-than-life outlandishness works to great effect and matches the cool, even tone of the narrative. Though the extensive text will take a while to read aloud, young listeners will likely buy right into the drama of the soldier's tale. There is plenty to discuss in the story's ending, and listeners will likely have strong opinions about the justice of the events.