Van Gool

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame is a classic story that demonstrates the moral lesson, do not judge a book by it's cover. Quasimodo was a disfigured baby who was abandoned by his mother and raised by an evil judge Frollo who locked him in a cathedral bell tower. Due to his facial deformities and his hunched back, the townspeople viewed him as a monster. However, he is loyal, brave, and does whatever he can for his friends. His true character is how he earns the love of the beautiful gypsy woman Esmerelda.… (mais)

Van Gool's Hansel and Gretel is a great example of traditional children's literature. This version of the book stuck to the traditional story of Hansel and Gretel in which the kids were playing in the forrest and came along a candy house where a wicked witch lived. She tricked the kids into coming into her house and kept them captive forcing Gretel to be a slave and help her fatten up her own brother for the witch to eat. This story may be a bit much or even cause nightmares for a very young kid. It is quite creepy. However, the children I have read this too were very intrigued and paid close attention to what was going on. It kept them on the edge of their seats for sure!… (mais)

The Ugly Duckling is a great example of traditional children's literature. The story has been passed down for generations and will, hopefully, continue to be passed down for many more to come. Like the traditional version of this story, the duck (who turns out to be a beautiful swan) grows up being mistreated and mad fun of because he looks different than the other ducks. He has to endure a lot of mean treatment until he finally finds another duck that looks just like him, which turns out to be a beautiful swan. This version of The Ugly Duckling was much longer than a lot of the others I have read. That was fine though, because the children I read this too stayed interested and happy the entire read. It stuck to the main story and had lovely colorful illustrations. This story is good to teach children to be kind and always treat people how you would like to be treated.… (mais)