It’s a well-told tale with an indefatigable heroine, and an interplay of words and pictures that feels as if it shares lineage with Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl.
Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest
$21.73
A funny illustrated fairy tale for early readers about the brave and capable Dulcinea, who must save her father from the witch’s spell and get him home to celebrate her birthday.
Written and illustrated by Ole Könnecke, translated by Shelley Tanaka.
-
Description
A funny and contemporary illustrated fairy tale about a strong heroine who saves the day,
perfect for early readers.Brave Dulcinea has known since she was small not to enter the dangerous magic forest where
the witch has her castle. But her father hasn’t come home from collecting blueberries for her
birthday pancakes. Did the witch cast a spell on him?Dulcinea must brave the dark forest and sneak into the witch’s castle to steal the spell book and
free him. Her father would hardly have named her after the brave Dulcinea if she couldn’t
break a witch’s spell to celebrate her birthday with him!Ole Könnecke’s funny, comic-style illustrations and humourous story turn the classic fairy tale
on its head. Children aged 5 to 9, or young readers just starting out on independent reading,
will love cheering on the brave and capable Dulcinea as she saves her father and gets him home
just in time for pancakes.Translated from the German edition by Shelley Tanaka.
“It’s a well-told tale with an indefatigable heroine, and an interplay of words and pictures that
feels as if it shares lineage with Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl.” — The New York TimesOle Könnecke was born in Germany, and lives as an illustrator in Hamburg. He is also the
German translator of Ulf Nilsson’s Detective Gordon chapter book series.Other books by Ole Könnecke:
You Can Do It, Bert! Bank Street CBC Best Children’s Book of the Year
The Big Book of Words and Pictures
Sports Are Fantastic Fun
Anton Can Do MagicPraise for Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest
“It’s a well-told tale with an indefatigable heroine, and an interplay of words and pictures that
feels as if it shares lineage with Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl. A fine winter evening read-
aloud, to be enjoyed next to a warm fire with a plate of cookies. Or, you know, “biscuits.” — The
New York Times“This fairy tale is updated with some attitude and a gentle poking of fun at fairy-tale tropes.
There are also some seriously funny illustrations. The juxtaposition of Dulcinea’s earnest, often
deadpan mien and the witch’s over-the-top dramatic expressions is priceless.” — Kirkus
Reviews“’Könnecke offers gentle comedy throughout: “Besides, nothing bad could happen to you on
your birthday, could it?’ Concise chapters move the pace along as readers follow Könnecke’s
inky, black-outlined art in a tale for those who love magic, fairy tales, and blueberries on their
pancakes.” — Publishers Weekly
-
Book Details
Country of Origin Germany Reader Age 6-8 year Book Size ISBN
-
Reviews
Do you love curiously good books for children?
Join our newsletter
Be first to discover new books, receive our latest blog articles, and enter exclusive competitions
Book and Gift Blogger, Instagram –
A comic-book style story read perfect for the transition for those becoming independent readers.
The Book Muse –
What a delightful book that captures fairytale tropes and pulls them into a timeless tale of witches in towers, a huntsman, curses, and plucky young girls determined to save the day.
Child Blogger –
This is such a beautifully illustrated book and one of those classic kind of fairy tales that kids totally get engrossed in and are so eager to keep on reading and turning the page to see what happens next.
Readings Bookshops –
This is a hilarious and beautifully illustrated take on a classic tale.
The New York Times –
It’s a well-told tale with an indefatigable heroine, and an interplay of words and pictures that feels as if it shares lineage with Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl. A fine winter evening read-aloud, to be enjoyed next to a warm fire with a plate of cookies. Or, you know, “biscuits.”
Booklist –
With the charming trappings of an old European fairy tale and a comical dash of irreverence, this German import tells the story of a girl who must save her father from a witch’s spell. This will easily be a success with both young listeners and readers, who will be drawn to dauntless Dulcinea.
Publishers Weekly –
Könnecke offers gentle comedy throughout: “Besides, nothing bad could happen to you on your birthday, could it?” Concise chapters move the pace along as readers follow Könnecke’s inky, black-outlined art in a tale for those who love magic, fairy tales, and blueberries on their pancakes.
Youth Services Book Review –
Könnecke’s mischievous and inventive touch is evident in the text, where droll descriptions abound.
Hannah, NetGalley-Reviewer –
The modern illustrations give a nice touch to the story, which can be read in one sitting. I really enjoyed it.
Kirkus Reviews –
This fairy tale is updated with some attitude and a gentle poking of fun at fairy-tale tropes. There are also some seriously funny illustrations. The juxtaposition of Dulcinea’s earnest, often deadpan mien and the witch’s over-the-top dramatic expressions is priceless.