Oscar Wilde's fairy stories are among the greatest and most poignant classics for children and adults alike. Humour, pathos and delightful little characters abound in the stories of 'The Happy Prince' and the Swallow who agrees to keep him company despite approaching winter; 'The Selfish Giant', who doesn't want children playing in his garden, and 'The Remarkable Rocket'. In addition, there are those not so familiar – 'The Star Child', 'The Young King' and 'The Devoted Friend'.
1 of 1 copy available
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 27, 2010 -
Formats
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OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9789629544409
- File size: 72962 KB
- Duration: 02:32:00
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Languages
- English
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Levels
- Lexile® Measure: 650
- Text Difficulty: 2-3
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Reviews
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January 2, 1995
Ray's (Magical Tales from Many Lands; The Story of Christmas) folksy, gilt-laden artwork graces this somewhat formal abridgment of Wilde's tale about an enchanted statue. The Happy Prince, who had lived a happy life and died a happy man, is now immortalized high above the city as a golden and bejeweled statue. For the first time the royal sees the suffering, poverty and misery of the common people. Sharing his sympathetic view with a sparrow, the prince persuades the bird to postpone its migration and instead to deliver his gold leafing, his sapphire eyes and ruby belt to those who need them. Soon the sparrow dies of cold and the prince, now shabby, is removed from its pedestal and melted down. Though young readers may appreciate the lessons of selflessness and sacrifice here, the telling may seem to them stilted and even occasionally disjointed. Ray's characteristically rich palette and her delicate borders and backgrounds provide the visual magic that keeps this sentimental tale afloat. Ages 7-up.
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