Top of the Heap!

Once upon a time there was a magical place that didn't actually exist. Though intangible and utterly mysterious, this place was well traveled by people, but not in person. Their thoughts could gather and their words mingle, but they, themselves, could only look in through a shifting window. The formless landscape spread out infinitely, setting forth many varied paths to follow. And so, they watched and wrote; sharing their thoughts and feelings with each other. It was a brilliant, colorful place, filled with music and laughter, awe and wonder. The great connection pulled them in closer and closer, giving each a voice in a crowd of many. All of the songs and stories were collected by each different perspective and kept in this fantastical arena made of smoke and mirrors...

This weeks top of the heap: Fairy tales (YAY! : )

Where are the twelve princesses dancing their shoes into pieces every night? It is the quest of a gallant, young soldier to find out- less he lose his head. Should he find the answer to this puzzling question, the kingdom will be his, and he will win the hand of one of the beautiful sisters. What more can I say? This story has it all. The Twelve Dancing Princesses by the Grimm brothers is the most magical fairy tale I have ever known. I have envisioned it for as long as I can remember. I am still fascinated by the different worlds they enter- this sparkling story sets my imagination into overdrive (lol!) Here's a few illustrations from my absolute favorite fairy tale.  ~ F

      Then they went right down, and when they got quite underground they stood in a marvelously beautiful avenue of trees. All the leaves were silver, and glittered and shone. 
     The solider thought, "I must take some token with me." And as he broke off a twig, a sharp crack came from the tree. 
     The youngest cried out, "All is not well! Did you hear that sound?"
    "Those are the triumphal salutes because we have eluded our 'prince'!" said the eldest.

There are so many amazing fairy tales that it is hard to pick just one as my favorite. I debated back and forth a bit- but in my heart I knew what I would pick all along... Snow White! Ever since I played Snow White in a play in first grade (yes, I do have blond hair- but also a fantastic memory) I have been enchanted by the many versions of this story. I always imagined Snow White to be so beautiful and her step-mother was hideous in my mind because even though she was described as gorgeous- her mean spirit made her ugly. The magical mirror is fantastic to think about, and I have always wondered if it could do more than simply say who is the most beautiful in the land. The dwarfs always made me laugh with their names and personalities. I love that there are different endings to this fairy tale depending on the version that is being read.  I have many copies of this classic tale, as my mom buys me different ones whenever she spots them. Who knows what version I will read next!  ~L