A Necklace of Raindrops by Joan Aiken and Jan Pienkowski
Jonathan
Cape, 2009. ISBN 9780224083805.
(Age
7+) Recommended. Joan
Aiken's delightful collection of short stories, first published in
1968, has
been reissued just in time to enchant a new generation this Christmas.
These
fables and fairy tales are the product of such unbridled imagination
they
cannot fail to please. Aiken rolls up her sleeves and wades straight
in, wasting
little time on scene setting and build up. The power of these stories
lies in
the continuous dramatic action, making them ideal to read aloud.
Nevertheless
there is still plenty for young readers and listeners to ponder. One of
my
favourites is The Elves and the Shelves where a privileged
little girl,
the
recipient of many material possessions, feels lonely and realises a
friend is
worth more than all the toys she could wish for.
Jan
Pienkowski's illustrations are a sumptuous partner to Aiken's stories.
The
contrast between intricate silhouettes and splashes of rich colour work
a treat
and serve as a reminder (if you need one) of his amazing artistic power.
Perfect
for calming frayed nerves during a fraught end of term, and a welcome
addition
to Christmas stockings.
Claire Larson