This story is an adaptation of a classic Brother's Grimm story. The story is about Sophie and her family. She had a mother, father and sic brothers until her mother suddenly dies. Her dad remarries and then she has a step mother. The step mother turns Sophie's six brother's into swans and Sophie has to save them and turn them back. The book is well written and easy to understand. I have never read the original so, I can't compare the two. This is not my favorite genre so, I didn't really enjoy the story, it was predictable. The illustrations are nice and compliment the story well. ( )

Written and illustrated by Kim Jacobs, this retelling of the Brothers’ Grimm story combines the feel of classic fairytales with the smooth reading and wise self-awareness of a more modern children’s story. The result is an enjoyable blend of familiar and new. A princess doesn’t have to be gorgeous, pampered or boring. A prince doesn’t have to be a foolishly valiant soldier. And a prince who is turned into a swan might morph very naturally on the page.

The muted colors and gorgeously detailed images invite and reward a child’s close scrutiny. Simple first-person text invites the reader or listener in. And the modern feelings of this rebellious daughter seem all too true to life.

But anger has consequences, sometimes for other people, and this story offers wise lessons on obedience, respect, perseverance, and even love. It’s both scary and astute, in just the right measure, and delightfully satisfying at the end. And it’s highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy by the publisher and I offer my honest review. ( )