Review Detail

OSCAR WILDE'S STORIES FOR CHILDREN is a beautifully illustrated collection of stories. There are several stories contained within, all illustrated with colorful imagery, great for older children and adults to enjoy.

What I loved: These are quite imaginative and heartfelt stories that speak to morality, friendship, and more. They felt quite relatable although they are full of magic and a touch of whimsy, as the emotions and people reflect humanity itself. The illustrations included with the stories are lovely with some full page detailed images as well as smaller ones scattered throughout.

There are several stories included within. "The Selfish Giant" is probably my favorite, where a giant closes off his garden and won't let children play in it - so it is perpetually winter, as spring comes with the children. When some children sneak into his garden, spring finally begins to come and the Giant helps a young boy up into a tree, who gives him a kiss in thanks. The Giant invites them all back and looks for the one he helped. Many years later, he sees him again, and the boy takes him to his own garden, which is paradise. The other children later find that the Giant has died.

This story and others felt quite heartfelt and were beautiful to read and consider. They may work best for older readers who can understand the nuance and may not be as sensitive to endings that are not always happy.

Final verdict: OSCAR WILDE'S STORIES FOR CHILDREN is a collection of stories that are heartfelt and lovely, accompanied by imaginative illustrations that will work well for older children and adults.