The Feathered Ogre: A Story from Italy (Monster Stories) - Softcover

Fran Parnell graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic. Fran has worked as an editor on both children s books and travel guides. Even when she can t escape to exotic places, she uses stories to travel in her imagination. She has always loved monster tales, the bigger and badder the better! Fran lives in Yorkshire, England.

Sophie Fatus is a full-time illustrator and sculptress who studied at the prestigious Academy of Fine Art in Paris. Her brightly colored illustrations and quirky style are world-renowned and have graced the pages of many Barefoot Books titles. Sophie lives in Florence, Italy.

Monster tales from around the world are the subjects of a new early reader series that this entry kicks off in Italy. Starting with “long ago in a country far away,” kids will find all the familiar fairy-tale elements here—castles, princesses, and an unlikely hero. A king on his sickbed can only be cured by the “magic feather from the ogre’s back.” It’s too bad the ogre lives on a far-away island and spends his time capturing humans to eat. Luckily, brave Pírolo, a mere gardener, is up for the challenge! Parnell’s lively words and Fatus’ textured acrylic art, complete with succinct, funny word-bubbles, create a sweet, folksy world. And while “monster” may conjure up scary images for some, rest assured. This monster is a comical, purple cross between an owl, the Cheshire Cat, and a resident of Whoville. The type could be enlarged some for the age group, but overall this is the good start of what promises to be a strong series. Grades 1-3. --Ann Kelley