Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter - Trailer Released

Dreamworks has done very well with the Shrek franchise, despite general agreement that the installments following the original movie were... 'not as good'. But they're making another one - the 'last' one - and it's coming in May 2010. (Actually there will be one more if rumors are correct, but perhaps that will be confirmed only if/when the numbers from this movie come in...).

The trailer for the fourth Shrek film has just been released and it appears that Shrek is basically getting the It's A Wonderful Life treatment, with the fate of his kingdom dependent on how he manages in this alternate universe.Here's the plot summary from Empire Online:

In the fourth outing for the fairytale spoof adventure, Shrek is seemingly tired of his domesticated life with wife Fiona and the kids, and pines for a time when his mere presence could send villagers scattering.

But when he strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin to try to regain his mojo, the beardy trickster (Edit FTNH: where's the beard?) makes his life magically hell, transporting him to a version of Far Far Away where he never existed.

There, he finds Donkey reduced to cart duty, Puss In Boots as a lazy slob and Rumpelstiltskin ruling the place....

Here's the trailer:

I'm sure we'll see more before May. The question really is, is this a good way to bring the magic back?

Jorinde & Joringel Stamps

This is a completely random find (found HERE) and I just had to share as it's so rare to find anything to do with this fairy tale. Germany has great love and respect for the Grimm tales though so I'm not surprised this is where the stamps originate from.

These stamps have scenes from the story and tell most of it comprehensively in only six panels.

If you don't know the story you can read it HERE at SurLaLune or read my steampunk retelling by downloading a FREE PDF from HERE. You can also hear a complete recording/podcast of my story with music and sound effects. :) The links to the parts are HERE.

"Alma" by Rodrigo Blaas

Here's a little treat for the season - especially with my focus for the coming week of Christmas/Yule stories. Just announced today, for a limited time over Christmas you can see a new animated short online about a very sweet little girl and a creepy toyshop. It's not specifically for Christmas but fits with the current focus on Winter (in the Northern hemisphere), children and toys. This short film is already busy winning awards all over the place.While it is kinda spooky it doesn't have any truly scary images - it's more the concept. But it's very in keeping with fairy tales - especially those by E.T.A. Hoffman (Nutcracker anyone?).Here's the announcement from Cartoon Brew:

For a limited time during the holidays, Rodrigo Blaas has made his spooky CG short Alma available for viewing online. Blaas is an animator at Pixar who took time off from the studio and returned to his native Spain to make this independent film. His brother, Alfonso Blaas, served as the film’s art director. The film’s official website is AlmaShortFilm.com.

I'm posting the teaser so you can a) have a preview and b) when the video is no longer available, people visiting the blog can still have a taste of this wonderful short.

The teaser:

The full short - for a limited time only during Christmas 2009:

Alma from Rodrigo Blaas on Vimeo.

12 Days: Lots of Different Fairy Tale Books

My apologies for the lateness of this post today.

I've been having connection difficulties.

Books are the obvious fairy tale gift to my way of thinking, which is why I tried to find non-book ideas these past two weeks. But I can't help recommending a few, so I saved a bunch for this last post in the series. :) Here are some different types of fairy tale books that you may not have heard of. Some are new, some are not and you can find more information by clicking on the titles below the cover images:

Magic Hoofbeats (with CD)
by Josepha Sherman

Availability: Released September 2007 - still available.
Description: Multicultural fairy tale and folktale collection on a horse theme. An unusual collection of tales not often printed with the added bonus of horse facts scattered throughout. Scholarly yet accessible to kids. Includes a CD of the stories being read, lovely watercolor illustrations and a brief list of sources.

There Was An Old Lady
by Jeremy Holmes

Availability: New August 2009
Description: Hardcover - the book is like a piece of art. Unusually shaped, comical, whimsical and the eyes close at the end via a clever little paper tab.

The Diary of Hansel and Gretel
by Kees Moerbeek

Availability: Out of print but still readily available.
Description: At last, here is the true story of what really happened to Hansel and Gretel, in the words of Gretel herself. This book is a faithful reproduction of Gretel's original diary, complete with all of her drawings -- as well as the very first newspaper article by the Brothers Grimm. (Pop-ups, inserted notes and artifacts, interactive.)

Black Pearls: A Faerie Strand
by Louise Hawes

Availability: Released May 2008 - still available
Description: Seven edgy/dark retellings of fairy tales (and one legend). Beautifully written in a fairy tale style with lovely pencil drawings throughout. The twists sneak up on you and you should beware of the sexual content if you're giving it to younger teens. As a hint to the twists, the cover is actually a picture of Cinderella herself.

Pretty Monsters: Stories
by Kelly Link

Availability: Released October 2008 - still available
Description: YA collection of fairytale style stories. This book has been getting rave reviews and comparisons to Neil Gaiman's storytelling. The hardcover has black edged pages and illustrations by award winning artist Shaun Tan.

Sisters Red
by Jackson Pearce

Availability: Not yet! Coming June 2010 (you can pre-order a surprise for someone!)
Description: The story of Red Riding Hood and her younger sister after the death of their grandmother... of and some werewolves. Jackson Pearce talks a lot about fairy tales in her interviews so this is one to watch for at the very least.

Twisted Tales: Fairy Tale Anthology
by Isabelle Rose

Availability: New November 2009 for Kindle (hard copies available HERE)

Description: Anthology of short stories and poems for Kindle. Dark retellings of classic fairy tales by newer authors. I haven't read any excerpts but the folks involved love fairy tales. Contest for a free copy through December HERE.

The SurLaLune Fairy Tale Series
by Heidi Anne Heiner

Availability: New August and September 2009 for Kindle (PDFs coming)
Description: Excellent collections of hard-to-find fairy tales, with new translations. By the mastermind behind the SurLaLune website. Three titles so far: "The Frog Prince and Other Frog Tales From Around the World", "The Fairy Tale Fiction of Anne Isabella Thackery Ritchie" and "Rapunzel and Other Maiden in the Tower Tales From Around the World".

The Book of Lost Things (Unabridged Audiobook CD)
by John Connolley

Availability: Released October 2006 - still available
Description: A fairy tale for adults - a boy mourns the death of his mother and reality and fantasy worlds start to blur together. On his journey back to the real world he meets many fairy tale characters. By turns funny, poignant, surprising. A book about hope and the power of stories. While the paper book is available the audiobook highly recommended to take you through the journey.

The Beastly Bride: Tales of the Animal People
by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling

Availability: Not yet! Coming April 2010 (you can pre-order a surprise for someone!)
Description: The newest collection of retold fairy and folktales on a shape-changer theme from the best authors and editors in the business. Gorgeous illustrations throughout by Charles Vess (I've seen a couple of previews!). The pre-order price on this one is excellent - you will still save even with shipping.

Baba Yaga Laid an Egg by Dubravka Ugresic

Availability: New October 2009 for Kindle (Hardcover available February 2010)
Description: Part of The Myths series. From the website: Dubravka Ugrešić takes the story of Baba Yaga and weaves it into something completely fresh. The result is an extraordinary meditation on femininity, ageing, identity, secrets, storytelling and love.

The Seeing Stick
by Jane Yolen
(new illustrations by Daniela Terrazzini)

Availability: New September 2009
Description: A newly illustrated version of Jane Yolen's original fairy tale about a blind emperor's daughter (originally published 1977). This is a stunning book with gorgeous specialty printing and embossed pages - which underlines the story perfectly.

Once Upon a Tutu: Five Ballet Fairy Tales Starring the Ballet Friends:
Including The Princess and the Prima, Ballerella,
Snow Tights and the Seven Dancers,
... the Three Barres, and The Klutzy Duckling
by Kitty Michaels

Availability: Released November 2008 - still available
Description: Retold fairy tales in ballet settings (with a whole lot of humor!) based on the classic tales. From the Ballet Friends series but it can definitely stand alone.

The World Before This One: A Novel Told in Legend
by Rafe Martin

Availability: Released August 2005 - still available in paperback but I recommend hunting down a hardcover
Description: Folktales (Seneca tales) retold in novel format in a wonderful storytelling fashion. The book is worth getting for the incredible papercuts alone that illustrate the stories, but the writing is beautiful as well. A good gift for scholars and older children who love tales alike.

The Illustrated Book of Fairy Tales
by Neil Philip & Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry

Availability: Released March 1998 - out of print but still easy to find
Description: This remains a favorite fairy tale collection of mine because it's multicultural and contains facts along the way (scattered in the sidebars of the pages) and points to similar tales across cultures. Many of the tales are not the usual version you might expect, though the familiar ones are referenced. The illustrations are unusual in that they span the pages of the book and flow from one scene of the story in to the other (see the Beauty & the Beast example above). An excellent way to be introduced to tales from other cultures and lesser known variants without losing that 'fairy tale feel' those of us who grew up with European tales love.

1001 Nights: Illustrated Fairy Tales from One Thousand And One Nights
Edited by Robert Klanten & Hendrik Hellige

Availability: Released November 2005 - still available
Description: Contemporary illustrations by a number of different illustrators of traditional 1001 tales - some well known, other less so. A good way to become familiar with the tales. More suitable for adults.

Today is the last day I'll be specifically posting gift ideas for Christmas/Yule/Kwanzaa/Hannukah/etc on a fairy tale theme but ideas are everywhere!

Heidi Anne Heiner, of SurLaLune, has a knack for finding the most gorgeous games and toys, not to mention is the best source of fairy tale books around so be sure to browse her blog. The link is HERE.

Also Elva Undine of Folk and Fairy (Folklore and Fairy: Clever finds for the faerie inclined) finds some of the loveliest things including things you can purchase as gifts. Her blog is HERE.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

This is the last of the "12 Days" posts but you still have TWO DAYS to enter before the deadline on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.

(Check out one of the prize options in the preview above! Click for a larger view...)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Bronze Billy Goats Gruff Sculpture

OK - I'm kidding about this being included in the "12 Days" posts, but as I started with a pricey - but gorgeous - piece (a fairy tale weathervane), I thought I'd finish with something even more extravagant:

A $10, 000 (that's not a typo) bronze sculpture of the Three Billy Goats Gruff and their lurking nemesis, the Troll under the bridge.

It's 2'6'' x 2'2" x 2'2" so you'll need either a large (and very sturdy) table in a large house, or the perfect spot in your fairly large garden. Personally, I think this should be somewhere public where we can all enjoy it!

You can find more details about it HERE. Merry shopping!

12 Days: Disney Fairy Tale Shirts

The Hot Topic website seems to be struggling under the workload of lots of traffic but this may one of the reasons why: they have nice stuff. And that includes for people who love fairy tales.

Rather than spend another day trying to link you to each relevant page, I'll just send you to the home page HERE where you can then search for the shirts I'm about to show you and more.

But first I have to share my favorite: the Tim Burton Cheshire Cat Reversible Hoodie. It seems to go out of stock very quickly then reappear again wthin a day or two. Coincidence? Hmm...
I love the whole disappearing cat thing. Very clever. Plus it looks awesome.

And now here are some examples of the Disney fairy tale shirts they carry.

Hot Topic are licensed to sell quite a few brands including a number of fairy artists, so have a browse - and don't forget the accessories, eg striped leggings or belt buckles as stocking stuffers. If you live close to a store brave the loud music and the heavy metal decor and go in, in person. They have fun fairy and fairy tale themed stuff (not just clothes) for everyone - babies up to (and through) the rest of us. Plus they have some of the most consistently nice and helpful store assistants, multi-colored hair and piercings or not.

It also looks like the official Disney Store are having a sale too: up to 40% off kids apparel and up to 50% off adult apparel. You can find the store HERE.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close in THREE DAYS on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.

(Check out yesterday's prize preview post!)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.

12 Days: Giant Fairy Tale T-Shirt Roundup

Lots of fairy tale shirts in a variety of contemporary designs from lots of different tales today! I've tried to find a wide range for guys and girls and many different illustration styles. These are the best I've found around the web, though I'm sure there are many more (but this post has already taken days and days!). Please feel free to add any suggestions you have in the comments! The websites where they're available can be reached by clicking on the image or the title below it.

There are lots so let's get right to it:

Sequel of the Piper Fairy Tale

Taming the Wolf

Blue Beard
(I know - he wasn't really a pirate.. or was he?)

Cute Cartoon Bremen Town Musicians

Rapunzel

Red
(While this was in my archives it was also suggested by one of my readers but I can't find the comment to credit her. So sorry!)


Too Patient Rapunzel

Ecko Red Allover Rose
(It's not really a fairy tale tee but it instantly made me think of Sleeping Beauty)

Sinister Dexter (an homage to classic fairy tales)

Once Upon A Time

grimm's garden

Hansel & Gretel's Revenge
(the house is printed on the back of the tee)

Red is dead
(yes, she has a chainsaw
- go see the site if you want a close-up!)

Three Little Pigs: Mechanized Assault

Baba Yaga Shirt

The Dark Side of the Fairy Tale

Red Riding Hood

Owl and Cat Masks

The Princess and the Pea

It's For You

There are a number of sites where you can vote on the t-shirt designs to help get them printed too. Apparently, the popular ones will be put into production as t-shirts for sale to the public, although I'm not completely clear on how best to make this happen. You can always contact the artist/designer directly, if these interest you. I've linked to where you can view and vote.

The Big Bad Wolf Was An Opportunist

Make Like A Tree and Leave

Boy Who Cried Wolf

The Forest Hoodlums (2 designs)

A Stomach for Sauerbraten

The Musicians of Bremen

Cooking With Hansel & Gretel

Dissection of the Wolf

Hansel and Gretel

Poison Apple

And if you're looking for more traditional illustrations of fairy tales for your shirts the first place you should check is SurLaLune's CAFE PRESS STORE and SurLaLune's ZAZZLE STORE. There are some slogan and graphic tees here too. My favorites among this additional category (please note they come in many options of tee/shirt styles) are:

Cinderella Around the World

Il était une fois...
(Once Upon a Time, in French)

You Can't Catch Me!
(I have a toddler you see and this is SO cute and appropriate for him!)

Phew!
I had some more commercial ones to show you but the site wasn't working. Please feel free to share your own suggestions in the comments.

NOTE: As usual, please note I am not affiliated with any of these stores or products. I do not receive any commission from any visit to the site or any purchase. These are just items I thought may interest people as fairy tale themed gifts for the Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Yuletide/Holiday Season. :)

Don't forget the "Pursuit of Happiness" Giveaway!

Entries close THREE DAYS on December 20th, so be sure to email me before then.

(Check out yesterday's prize preview post!)

Details for the giveaway are HERE and the wonderful London Particulars (who are making this giveaway possible through their generosity) can be found HERE.