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Snow White: A Graphic Novel



Snow White: A Graphic Novel
By Matt Phelan
Candlewick Press, 2016. J Comics. Unpaged.

This graphic novel retelling of Snow White takes place in New York City just as the excitement of the Roaring Twenties begins to fade into the Great Depression. After Samantha “Snow” White’s mother dies, her wealthy father, who successfully navigated the market crash, marries the beautiful but malicious Broadway star known as the Queen of the Follies. The book then follows the well-known story of Snow White with changes appropriate for this adaptation including a stock ticker that prints out prophesies for the Stepmother, and a group of street urchins known simply as the Seven, who protect Snow White.

In this beautiful adaptation, Matt Phelan uses sketch style illustrations with limited color and text to present a compelling take on a familiar story. The book has the look and feel of a classic black and white film that is both melancholy and hopeful. Older children who are interested in retellings of fairy tales or serious graphic novels that are very well done will love this book.

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