The Flint Heart: a Fairy Story

A grand tale skillfully updated and tightened up, this should win the hearts of a new generation. (Fantasy. 8-12).

 . . .  the story delivers.

This timeless, enjoyable retelling is a strong choice for both a read-aloud and an under-the-covers escape.

The book is illustrated with full-color pictures and silhouette spot art, and the page design is generous.

A full century after the publication of Eden Philpotts's The Flint Heart (Dutton, 1910) the story resurfaces in the capable hands of the Patersons (Blueberries for the Queen), who stay true to the language and story line of the original, preserving the book's humor, whimsy, and enchanting storytelling. In both versions, a Stone Age power grab leads to the creation of the eponymous Flint Heart, which hardens the heart of its bearer and results in a lust for absolute control and few qualms about cruelty. The Flint Heart remains buried for thousands of years until unearthed by a kind farmer, where it soon wreaks havoc over his family and a memorable cast of pixies, fairies, imps, and even a German-made hot water bottle in early 20th-century England. Much of what makes the book so delightful can be found in its original incarnation, but the Patersons have done a stellar job of maintaining the book's period feel while creating a fresher, tighter story that feels tailor-made for family reading, just before bed, one chapter per night. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 7-12. (Sept.)

Gr 3-6--The Patersons have teamed up to bring a long-out-of-print story (originally written by Eden Phillpotts and published in 1910) to a modern audience. During the Stone Age, an ambitious warrior asks the wise man of his tribe to make him an artifact that will harden his heart so he can become a powerful chief. The wise man obliges and, with some mischievous intervention from the Thunder Spirit, an artifact--the flint heart of the title--is made and a series of tyrants is created. Flash forward to 1910 and a farmer discovers the item, much to the dismay of his children. Book-learned 12-year-old Charles and his younger sister, Unity, take matters into their own hands by consulting with the local fairies on how to proceed. Told in the voice of a storyteller in the style of A. A. Milne or J. M. Barrie, the tale will make an excellent read-aloud. There is little real suspense, but this is an intentional part of the book's charm. The Patersons have done a lovely job updating and abridging this tale for today's readers. It's curious that Phillpotts's name isn't also listed on the cover, as large portions of the text are identical to the original. Rocco's fantastic illustrations alone make this edition worth purchasing.--Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT