Beschreibung
Billy und der Summdrache
by Milo Winter
with 20 beautiful illustrations by Milo Winter
translated from English into German and retold by Ulrich Taschow
108 pages, 20 illustrations, published in 2016, laminated hardcover, series: avox fantasia, ISBN: 978-3-936979-17-6, >>> Reading Sample
Target groups
Children and young readers, adults, lovers of sophisticated artistic illustrations, lovers of fantastic stories, lovers of historical children’s books, and lovers of American children’s literature
An extraordinarily original, unique, and deeply touching American children’s book, now available in German for the very first time, featuring a completely unexpected ending that readers are unlikely ever to forget. The delicate simplicity of the language perfectly captures the character of the little hero Billy while at the same time shaping the wondrous atmosphere of the entire book. The artistic quality and emotional power of the illustrations are equally compelling and difficult to resist.
This long-forgotten American bestseller, finally rediscovered, is the brilliant debut work of the remarkably gifted writer and illustrator Milo Winter (1888–1956), one of America’s greatest illustrators. Sensitively translated and retold in German by Ulrich Taschow, this precious historical children’s book is also ideal for adults wishing to embark on a moving journey back into their own childhood — a genuine insider’s tip and a potential favorite book.
On a hot, sweltering summer day, little Billy secretly opens the picket gate of his backyard and sets out on a mysterious journey to the edge of town, a place he has heard much about without knowing what it really is:
“... Although Billy did not have the slightest idea what the edge of town actually was, he was completely certain that it must be something important. Sometimes he thought the edge of town might be something like the edge of a roof or a table, something from which one could fall ...”
And indeed, Billy falls and falls and falls ... into a mysterious world of talking animals and strange fabulous creatures, where his size keeps changing depending on how large or small the beings around him happen to be. Most of all, Billy is astonished that all the animals and creatures seem to know him already, and even claim that he knows them too, although Billy has never before left the backyard of his house.
But Billy gets no further with his investigations. His whole journey seems to follow a mysterious plan. And then there is also the warning about the forbidden door, which he must under no circumstances open. All this is deeply puzzling. The wondrous and completely unexpected solution to the riddle comes only at the very end. It is surprising, shocking, and touching at the same time, enough to bring tears even to the most hardened eyes.
Contents
List of Illustrations 11
At the Edge of Town 13
The Humming Dragon 25
King “Old Mossback” 40
At the Bottom of the Sea 49
Bald Eagle 57
Underground 67
The Bullfrog and the Field Mouse 77
The Judgment - Back Home 89
