Review
Rose Red and Snow White lacks some of the charm and cohesiveness of some of the more familiar tales. But I don't think any of that is Sanderson's fault and overall this is a nice re-telling. Thematically this story has a lot in common with Beauty and the Beast and there are some positives. First, I really like that this story centers around the loyal and positive friendship of two sisters (versus the usual antagonistic female relationships of most fairy tales). But their friendship doesn't really do anything to advance the plot and I find myself puzzling as to why two protagonists were necessary. It's also a tale that emphasizes kindness - the girls are helpful to everyone from a fearsome bear to an evil little dwarf. I'd say one of the biggest weaknesses is a very quick and tidy wrap up - even for a fairy tale!
As for the illustrations - I've been fascinated by Ruth Sanderson ever since goodreads friend Abigail introduced me to her work (via The Twelve Dancing Princesses). Her work is extremely technically proficient. I'd say her strength lies in her depictions of nature and architecture - so her backdrops are always very sumptuous. I've read some criticisms that her characters sometimes look a little awkward and wooden in their environments, but I don't really see this. And in this story in particular I really liked her rendering of the two little girls. I thought they looked very convincing and the pictures have a kind of frozen-in-time look - almost like a snapshot. My only little beef with Sanderson's work are her male figures - namely their hair! Sanderson has a thing for an extremely unflattering bowl shaped mullet. Fortunately, in this story men don't make an appearance until the very end. Even so I'm finding myself increasingly amused by this odd little trademark.
So in the end this isn't my favorite illustrated fairy tale, but I still recommend for fans of the genre. Little girls in particular might enjoy seeing someone like themselves as the protagonist of a fairy tale - particularly those with close sisterly relationships.
As for the illustrations - I've been fascinated by Ruth Sanderson ever since goodreads friend Abigail introduced me to her work (via The Twelve Dancing Princesses). Her work is extremely technically proficient. I'd say her strength lies in her depictions of nature and architecture - so her backdrops are always very sumptuous. I've read some criticisms that her characters sometimes look a little awkward and wooden in their environments, but I don't really see this. And in this story in particular I really liked her rendering of the two little girls. I thought they looked very convincing and the pictures have a kind of frozen-in-time look - almost like a snapshot. My only little beef with Sanderson's work are her male figures - namely their hair! Sanderson has a thing for an extremely unflattering bowl shaped mullet. Fortunately, in this story men don't make an appearance until the very end. Even so I'm finding myself increasingly amused by this odd little trademark.
So in the end this isn't my favorite illustrated fairy tale, but I still recommend for fans of the genre. Little girls in particular might enjoy seeing someone like themselves as the protagonist of a fairy tale - particularly those with close sisterly relationships.
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