Abstract
Reviewed by: The Most Wonderful Thing in the World by Vivian French Jeannette Hulick French, Vivian The Most Wonderful Thing in the World; illus. by Angela Barrett. Candlewick, 2015 32p ISBN 978-0-7636-7501-1 $18.99 R* Gr. 3-5 A wise old man advises his king and queen that the best way to find a suitable husband for their daughter, Lucia, is to “find the young man who can show you the most wonderful thing in the world.” As a parade of suitors ensues, Lucia takes advantage of her parents’ distraction by would-be husbands to explore her city under the guidance of Wise Old Angelo’s grandson, Salvatore (who does not know her royal identity). While unsuitable suitors come and go, Lucia and Salvatore wander and fall in love, but after discovering Lucia’s parentage, Salvatore despairs at his chances of being with her. When he watches the king and queen interact with their daughter, though, the answer to the riddle comes to him—the most wonderful thing in the world is Lucia herself—and a happy wedding follows. According to information on the jacket flap, this is a retelling of a story that Barrett remembers from her youth, and French’s version is elegant and lyrical with touches of humor. Barrett’s refined watercolor illustrations evoke picturesque Italian vistas and Edwardian-era fashion, and the softening of the edges of the figures and backgrounds creates a dreamy mood that complements the romantic tale; the intricate detailing of the [End Page 303] scenes and the ornateness of the frames that surround both text and illustrations makes this best enjoyed at close range. This is a polished gem, to be savored and sighed over by fairy-tale lovers of all ages. Copyright © 2016 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
Published Version
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