In the tradition of The Arabian Nights, a beautifully illustrated tapestry of folk tales and myths about the secret legacy of female storytellers in an imagined medieval world.
What are the Thing trees, indeed. Are you intrigued? I am!
This new graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg, was released in the UK on September 1st (you can find it HERE) and will be released in the US on December 6th (pre-orders available through Amazon).
Here's the rest of the blurb:
In the Empire of Migdal Bavel, Cherry is married to Jerome, a wicked man who makes a diabolical wager with his friend Manfred: if Manfred can seduce Cherry in one hundred nights, he can have his castle--and Cherry.
But what Jerome doesn't know is that Cherry is in love with her maid Hero. The two women hatch a plan: Hero, a member of the League of Secret Story Tellers, will distract Manfred by regaling him with a mesmerizing tale each night for 100 nights, keeping him at bay. Those tales are beautifully depicted here, touching on themes of love and betrayal and loyalty and madness.
As intricate and richly imagined as the works of Chris Ware, and leavened with a dry wit that rivals Kate Beaton's in Hark! A Vagrant, Isabel Greenberg's One Hundred Nights of Hero will capture readers' hearts and minds, taking them through a magical medieval world.
I don't know a lot about it, except to say that I'm definitely curious, and this writer and illustrator has a habit of wowing critics so this one's on my "to watch for" list. It helps that The Guardian has a brief but lovely write up too. Here's an excerpt from the review:
Hero tells stories to distract (Manfred, her husband's friend), taking in dark swamps, floating greenhouses, cursed daughters and a harp that sings of murder. Danger lurks within these tales and after each dangling cliffhanger, but Hero weaves a web that has soon snared the suitor, the sentries and most of the townsfolk. Greenberg’s artwork is whimsical, and her plots reference countless fables.
Greenberg has generously previewed quite a few pages and scenes, on both her Twitter feed, Tumblr and Instagram (often using them as commentary on her excitement and nervousness about the upcoming release, which work so very well) so I've assembled, what appears to be the beginning (or very near the beginning) of the story. Take a look.
Page45 (yes, that's the name of the comic book news site) has a more extensive review, which I'm including an excerpt of, since it mentions all those things that we love: plot twists, folk and fairy tales and the power of story:
Will handmaiden Hero similarly succeed in saving the virtue of her beloved mistress Cherry from the predatory advances of her husband’s lascivious and quite ridiculous best mate? Whom her husband’s encouraged for the sake of a bet and proving a point! Hero’s certainly won over the guards with her carefully chosen and craftily spun yarns, but where has the one hundred and first night gone? The answers will prove elevating. I even anticipate an air punch or two. This is a book about stories and storytelling; of sisterhood and story spreading... ...What Greenberg has done here with the Scheherazade scenario – which elements she has incorporated and how she’s repositioned them – is ever so clever and makes for much mockery of man-pride.
Yes. We definitely want to read this.
To give you more of an idea of Greenberg's style in comics and storytelling you can read her graphic short story The River of Lost Souls, for free, online HERE. It will especially appeal if you also enjoy myth and begins with a forgotten coin on the banks of the river Styx...
Fairy tale bonus of the day:
I admit I was torn as to whether to make this one it's own post as I'm just as thrilled about this illustrated story as a new Scheherazade-based graphic novel!
Isabel Greenberg and award winning author Zoe Gilbert, (whose short stories are often inspired by folk tales and folklore), were asked by Microsoft (stay with me) to "project test" the new suite of tools in Office 2016, designed to make online collaboration easier. They had just two weeks to create, from scratch, a completely new illustrated story and the result is The Mud-witch. (Yes those are webbed hands you see there!) I initially forgot to embed the video, (sorry!) showing the collaboration and creation of words and images. It's fascinating, just from a story-creation point of view, plus, you know, folklore! (Did your ears perk up? Mine did and it was worth the dive into the PDF available online HERE - if you can't see it embedded below - to read and view it.)
We're about to have a new, fairy tale focused, series for kids from Disney! And it's not about using Disney properties or 're-booting' old franchises; this is all about getting the fairy tales kids USED to know so well, back into circulation and back into our lives. (I know!! *much cheering and fist pumping*)
For the skeptics among us (which previously included me), I should mention straight away that one of our Grand Dames of fairy tale study and research, Maria Tatar, has been on board with the series as a consultant from it's development and continues on with the series in this capacity to help keep things - and the fairy tales - on track. (*more cheering, whooping added*)
Here's a quote from Development Executive Nancy Kanter (via Variety) about why they're doing this at all:
“We are trying to keep these classic stories, and classic characters, in kids’ minds,” said Nancy Kanter, executive vice president of original programming and general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide. "With school systems placing more emphasis on math, science and analysis of documents, perhaps there’s less room for Tom Thumb and Hansel and Gretel? “We thought it was really important that kids still had a touchstone to these time-honored tales,” she added.
I can't tell you how encouraging it is to hear that. While I believe there's more to it than just "wouldn't it be nice to keep some of that heritage alive", it's a wonderful start. I vote thumbs up!
They're also kicking this off via the vehicle kids are using most these days: apps, online access and games. While series TV via Disney Channel and Disney Junior on cable (and possibly other providers) will follow in November, the idea is to get the series into the hands of kids where they're most likely to find it for themselves first.
From the press release:
Disney Junior will debut the first six episodes of fairytale-inspired
"Goldie & Bear" on the popular WATCH Disney Junior
platforms, beginning Saturday, September 12,with one new episode premiering on the
WATCH Disney Junior app and WATCH
Disney Junior.com each Monday from September 21 through October 12. Set
in the magical world of Fairy Tale Forest, the animated series for kids age 2-7
reunites Goldie
and Bear, after the renowned porridge incident featured in "Goldilocks and
The Three Bears." The series premieres in November on Disney
Channel and Disney Junior.
Reflecting Disney's deep roots in storytelling that
resonates
across generations, "Goldie & Bear" captures the timeless appeal
of sharing stories through fairytales, folktales and nursery rhymes.Each episode features two 11-minute stories that showcase the new, unexpected
friendship between Goldie and Bear as they seek out fun and adventure along
with their friends and neighbors, all of whom are drawn from beloved storybook characters. Whether
it's helping the Big Bad Wolf learn to consider others before blowing down their houses, helping Jack and Jill
get up that hill,
orrescuing
accident-prone Humpty Dumpty after his great fall, Goldie and Bear enjoy living in a fairytale world filled with real-life situations, humorous mishaps and
heartfelt moments.
Beginning where the classic tales leave off, "Goldie & Bear"celebrates the distinct
personalities of Goldie, Bear and their quirky pals, and encourages children to
develop their own enchanting friendships. The series is populated with a diverse cast of storybook characters who model friendship,
community, respect for individuality, resilience in the face of adversity and compassion
for others, and is meant to spark conversations among kids and parents about the narratives and morals highlighted by Goldie and Bear's unlikely
friendship and their comedic interactions in Fairy Tale Forest.
Maria Tatar, chair of Harvard University's
program in Folklore and Mythology and series consultant, advising on storytelling, fairytales and folklore, said, "When we are stumped, a story
often provides the answer - not in the form of a one-liner but in a
conversation about the things that mattered to us in the tale."DisneyJunior.com
and WATCH Disney Junior will roll
out a suite of more than 20 "Goldie & Bear" micro-games
throughout the fall, with the first six debuting with the series.Housed in a storybook containing an
interactive map of Fairy Tale Forest, each game centers on a classic fairy tale
or nursery rhyme character.
"Goldie
& Bear" stars Natalie Lander ("The Middle") as Goldie and Georgie
Kidder ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars") as Bear. Recurring guest stars
include Lesley Nicol ("Downton Abbey") as Fairy Godmother, Isabella Day
("Cristela")
as little witch Rosita, Debby Ryan ("Jessie") as Thumbelina and Miles
Brown and Marsai Martin ("black-ish") as Jack & Jill."Goldie
& Bear" was developed for television and is co-executive produced by
Jorge Aguirre ("Giants Beware!" graphic novel series); Chris Gilligan
("Frankenweenie") is executive producer and director; Joe
Ansolabehere ("Recess") is story editor and Rob Cantor (from the band
Tally Hall) is songwriter.
I was sent a little sneak-peek of the synopsis for the premiere which I have been given permission to share:
The premiere episode "Big Bear/Birthday Chair" will go live on the WATCH Disney Junior app and WATCH Disney Junior.com on Saturday September 12th. In the episode, when Bear eats one of Jack’s magic beans so he can be a bigger bear, he and Goldie must find a way to reverse the magic after he learns being big isn’t as fun as he thought. Then, when Goldie forgets Bear’s birthday gift, she has to quickly find the most perfect present for her best friend.
And here's a little preview:
Normally I might make a note just to check in with a series like this (like I did for The 7D) but with Maria Tatar consulting on the series since it's early development, and continuing on with the show in this capacity, I'm going to make a point of watching it when I can.
It should also be noted that, Jorge Aguirre, creator of the wonderful graphic novel series Giants Beware, developed this series and is co-executive producer as well, so they're all points in favor of the series as far as I'm concerned.
I'm always a little hesitant to jump on board with CG series as many of them look so similar they can begin to blend together but perhaps a unique signature style will become more obvious and the show will look more instantly appealing when we see more variety of situations and characters.
Even with my reservations about the design style, the acting, animation and writing glimpses we have been given look very promising.
Fairy tale bonus of the day:
Goldilocks has been lurking around Disney for some time. There was supposed to be an animated short released back in 1936, but it never got beyond the development stage. From Disney Wikia:
The Three Bears (or Goldie Locks and Three Bears) is an unproduced animated short that was to have been released in 1936. It is a proposed Silly Symphony of the well-known children's story. Model sheets prove that Goldilockswas planned to look like, and possibly be voiced by, Shirley Temple. Papa Bear was modeled after W.C. Fields. Another version of this short as a Mickey, Donaldand Goofy cartoon would have had Mickey, Donald and Goofy casted in the roles of the Three Bears which was approached to the story after the prosed Silly Symphony failed to materialize.
Today is the very final release of the last installment of Bill Willingham's Fables and it's a very special finale, made with care, love and, in true Willingham-form, a few surprises:
On Wednesday, July 22, “Fables” will take a bow with its 150th issue, which is a full-sized, 178-page graphic novel (that doubles as the series 22nd volume). Titled “Farewell”, the graphic novel will wrap up the story Willingham and Buckingham have been telling alongside a deep roster of other talented creators like Steve Leialoha and Andrew Pepoy for over a decade. (source)
An Open Letter of Thanks to Bill Willingham
Dear Mr. Willingham, A huge and heartfelt thank you for being a wonderful writer, researcher and advocate for fairy tales and folklore in general, and for persisting with this world and these characters for so long. It seems so short now... You've been an inspiration to so very many, and people are really only just beginning to understand some of the innovative work, writing and art you (and your Fables teams) have done. We can't thank you enough. We also thank you for introducing us to Mark Buckingham, James Jean and a host of other talented people, who now have a special place in our hearts for treating the Fables characters with such care and excellence. We hope the yet-to-solidify Fables film does your work justice and inspires a whole new generation of fans, bringing good things back to you as well. We also look forward to seeing your work studied in Universities around the world. And we can't wait to see what you do with fairy tales next! Best wishes, with grateful thanks.
Yup - that is correct. Comic book stores around the US today will be helping to launch Children's Book Week for 2015 - officially - and not just by reminding you. They've gotten involved with the Children's Literacy Council and other reading advocate organizations for kids and are ready to encourage young readers (and would-be-readers) of all ages. The official Free Comic Book Day team and graphic novel artists and writers from all over have been preparing events BEYOND free comic book day - to take place THROUGHOUT Children's Book Week - to help promote reading, with comics as a launch pad to reading-success.
2015 preview of Labyrinth comic from the Boom Studios Anthology to be given away
On May 2, comic book stores will kick off Children's Book Week (May 4-10, 2015), the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading, by giving away over two million comics to younger readers on Free Comic Book Day!
With over two dozen kid -friendly titles to choose from, there's a free comic book available to help every young reader get into the spirit of Children's Book Week which will be celebrated the following week with more fun, book-themed events, appearances from beloved children’s book authors and illustrators, and more in all fifty states.
Comics’ industry leaders Diamond Comic Distributors and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) are partnering with Every Child a Reader and the Children's Book Council to bring greater focus to what comics offer kids, with cross-industry promotions and targeted resources for parents & educators during Children’s Book Week. In addition to Free Comic Book Day, the organizations will partner with authors, publishers, and comics specialty and book retailers to create Children's Book Week events spotlighting comics and the joy of reading at locations all over the United States!
Jennifer L. Holm, three-time Newbery Honoree and CBLDF board member says, "When I was a child, my love of reading started with comic books. Today, as a comics creator myself, and as a mom, I'm excited by how much extraordinary storytelling is happening for young people in comics. Children's Book Week is a wonderful time for people to come together and share the love of reading comics with kids everywhere!"“Comics and graphic novels are incredible tools for fostering a love of reading in children, and transmit valuable literacy skills to readers of all levels. We are delighted to partner with Free Comic Book Day to share the joy of comics with kids nationwide this Children’s Book Week,” says Nicole Deming, interim director of the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader.
“On behalf of comic shops nationwide that promote reading in their communities on Free Comic Book Day and all year round, and the writers, artists and publishers creating a fantastic array of children’s comics today, we welcome this opportunity to collaborate with Children’s Book Week and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund,” added Roger Fletcher, Diamond VP Sales & Marketing.
The kid-friendly FREE comics available this year will be more in number than usual and it's recommended parents take their kids and load up those arms!
What usually happens at comic book stores participating in Free Comic Book Day?
All the ones I've been to have had:
costumed characters
dressing up for guests (& contests)
props and displays for photo ops (and general fun)
artists signing comic books and special prints
food!
giveaways and raffles
special appearances by guests
art lessons
FREE COMIC BOOKS!
Here's what our local store is doing:
Don't worry about breakfast, you can buy something delicious at one of the amazing gourmet food trucks, and Honu Coffee will be taking your order while you wait in line!
Did we mention the Stormtroopers, Ewoks, R2D2 and the LANDSPEEDER, not to mention Batman, Batgirl, Joker, and who knows what other characters might decide to stop by! In fact, dress to impress, and enter our SUPER COOL all ages COSTUME CONTEST sponsored by DK Publishing and LEGO!
Games, prizes, balloons, a rockin cool BINGO game, a DJ, gaming demos, free art lessons...SO much to do! Be sure you're following us on Twitter, for our giveaway game, where we will be giving away some amazing prize packages to the lucky winners.
And, OH YEAH: don't forget the comics. Miles and miles of free comics!
Get here early, stay all day!!! JUST BE THERE!
For fairy tale folk there are a few offerings in the free category, including a special Labyrinth comic (which you can see a preview page of in this post) and for slightly older kids, there's Steampunk Goldilocks. There are a variety of other kids fantasy too, though, sporting the prince, princess and monster motifs common to what people think of as fairy tales today as well though, so check them all out (and hey - if you don't like what you ended up with, donate them!)
Also DK are an official sponsor of Free Comic Book Day for 2015!
DK have signed on to sponsor and contribute toward the marketing and promotion of Free Comic Book Day (FCBD), which takes places Saturday May 2nd at participating comic book specialty shops across the US, Canada, and worldwide. DK will serve as a supporter of Free Comic Book Day offering a special edition comic book along with the opportunity to win prizes as they help shape and enrich the comic fans’ experience of the event.
DK will offer FCBD Fans the opportunity to win various graphic novels, comics, activity books, and additional prizes through contests hosted on the Free Comic Book Day Facebook page during April through July.
There's a list of bona-fide kid-friendly comic book stores by state HERE, but seeing our local book store isn't on there yet it definitely fits the bill, it's not a complete list. Although not all comic book stores participate, most seem to, so check out yours - and remember, the earlier you get there, the more likely you are to get the freebies you want the most...
I love Tin Can Forest's work. It's perhaps not for everyone, but there's no denying it's mythic and folkloric-full.
Just look at how at home in the forest their artwork is! (see right)
This time it looks like they're retelling a whole tale in a book, so I can't wait to see their take on it (and I do love this story with the old animals triumphing over the baddies!)
"We Are Going To Bremen To Be Musicians" by Geoff Berner and Tin Can Forest - Book Launch
Thursday May 7th, 2015 Book Launch at 7pm, Geoff Berner Performance at 9pm @ The Pilot, 22 Cumberland St., Toronto Free Event
Come celebrate the TCAF book launch of We are Going to Bremen to Be Musicians by Tin Can Forest and Geoff Berner at the Pilot , 22 Cumberland St, Thursday May 7th.
Internationally acclaimed graphic novelist Nina Bunjevac (Fatherland, Heartless) will interview Geoff and Tin Can Forest about the making of the book, followed by a live performance by fearless klezmer punk accordionist and self-proclaimed "whisky rabbi” Geoff Berner.
Come drink and dance with us!
About We Are Going To Bremen To Be Musicians: Accordionist and novelist Geoff Berner together with folk-surrealists Tin Can Forest, re-tell this dark, strange German folk tale about four animals running away from their masters to become town musicians in the city of Bremen.
A unique Hansel and Gretel by Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti!Lots of pics and a video to entice you.. The illustrations have been around for a few years (I remember seeing them for the first time back in 2009) but now they're being partnered with Neil Gaiman's words.... *heart*! The release date is October 28, 2014 - the perfect Halloween present (and isn't it just!).
This all happened a long time ago, in your grandmother’s time, or in her grandfather’s. A long time ago. Back then, we all lived on the edge of the great forest.
Neil Gaiman and Lorenzo Mattotti both remember the horror and fascination with which they read the Grimm Brothers’ “Hansel and Gretel.” The writer and the artist now join forces for a brilliant reimagining of one of humanity’s most enduring tales. Be brave, be bold, and keep your wits about you–Gaiman and Mattotti are welcoming you into the woods.
From the Press Release:
“TOON Graphics are comics and visual narratives that bring the text to life in a way that captures young readers’ imaginations and makes them want to read on—and read more. Children also develop their aesthetic sense when they experience the relationship of text to picture in all its communicative power. Vetted by our team of educational experts, TOON Graphics introduce great storytelling traditions from around the world.”
Directly related is a set of audio recordings of Neil Gaiman, speaking on why scary stories appeal to us and the art of fear in children's books. You can find the whole set HERE.
And now the promised illustrations... just amazing and so very vivid, despite them being in black and white.
This is in Italian but you get to watch Mr. Mattotti paint! Just amazing.
In the Empire of Migdal Bavel, Cherry is married to Jerome, a wicked man who makes a diabolical wager with his friend Manfred: if Manfred can seduce Cherry in one hundred nights, he can have his castle--and Cherry.
Hero tells stories to distract (Manfred, her husband's friend), taking in dark swamps, floating greenhouses, cursed daughters and a harp that sings of murder. Danger lurks within these tales and after each dangling cliffhanger, but Hero weaves a web that has soon snared the suitor, the sentries and most of the townsfolk. Greenberg’s artwork is whimsical, and her plots reference countless fables.
Will handmaiden Hero similarly succeed in saving the virtue of her beloved mistress Cherry from the predatory advances of her husband’s lascivious and quite ridiculous best mate? Whom her husband’s encouraged for the sake of a bet and proving a point! Hero’s certainly won over the guards with her carefully chosen and craftily spun yarns, but where has the one hundred and first night gone?
I admit I was torn as to whether to make this one it's own post as I'm just as thrilled about this illustrated story as a new Scheherazade-based graphic novel! 
