#969 of 1001 · March 27, 2023

Come let @fredericlement whisk you away to a world of wonder and enchantment in the pages of The Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams. The book takes the form of an extended monologue from one character to another. The Peddler of Dreams makes a pitch, describing his many wares to the Merchant of Marvels (who never replies, only listens). Contained in the vast collection are objects of delight and mystery, thimbles and flowers and eggs and bones and locks of hair. References to fairy tales and children’s literature abound: we are shown the broken end of Pinocchio’s nose, two whiskers belonging to Puss-in-Boots, Thumbelina’s cradle, Captain Nemo’s cap, Snow White’s powder pot, the splinter from Sleeping Beauty’s finger, a marble made by Merlin, and seven peals of Cinderella’s laughter, among other curios. Clément’s text, originally published in French as “Magasin Zinzin ou Aux Merveilles d’Alys”, echoes with old-world romance. His multimedia art appears as colorful spot illustrations woven into the text. The effect is as if we are delving into an antique treasure trove, flipping through the pages of an arcane catalogue presented by the Peddler of Dreams himself. #dreams #dream #mystery #magic #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcover #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookillustrations #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks