#486 of 1001 · November 29, 2021

If you’re searching for an unforgettably raucous and spirited heroine, look no further than Robin Muller’s adaptation of the Norwegian fairy tale Tatterhood. A queen who desires children encounters a kindly witch who advises her to spill water under her bed, which will cause two flowers to grow. The beautiful flower is to be eaten, the ugly one to be left alone. The queen, however, cannot control herself and eats both. From the queen’s impulsive consumption of the strange blossom is born an equally strange child, for nine months later out pops Tatterhood, a girl who wears rags, rides a goat, and wields a wooden spoon. Another girl, Belinda, is later born as a result of the queen having eaten the beautiful flower. Years later, Tatterhood defends the castle from a pack of unruly witches, but one of them swaps her sister’s head with that of a calf. After a wild journey to reclaim the stolen head, the two princesses encounter two princes and make plans to be married. Tatterhood’s husband-to-be treats her with kindness and respect, and she in turn reveals that there is far more to her than meets the undiscerning eye. Muller’s text, bolstered by a collection of dynamic illustrations, conveys excitement and high adventure. His protagonist is a triumph, an impish young woman all pouts, grimaces, smirks, scowls, and cackles. #sister #sisters #witch #witches #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbooks #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookcover #picturebookart #classicchildrensbooks #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks