Peter Pan and Wendy: Centenary Edition, written by J.M. Barrie, illustrated by Robert Ingpen, foreword by David Barrie, Sterling, $19.95, ages 9-12, 216 pages. Few illustrators draw out the magic of stories like Ingpen and in this lavishly illustrated edition of Barrie's beloved Peter Pan, the acclaimed illustrator once again looks into our dreams of what this adventure would look like. Seventy illustrations, atmospherically painted as if lit with candlelight, are sprinkled through the book every two pages or less. Some are tucked into text to show a telling expression or a stolen moment, or to draw out a whimsical scene, as when the island boys are followed by wolves, and bend over and look through their legs to try to defy them.
Others fill the page with a classic moment from the book, such as when Peter kisses Wendy, and a few span two entire pages to draw out the drama of turning point or particularly poignant scene. In one of the most arresting, Peter stands trapped on a rock in a lagoon after rescuing Wendy (by tying her to the tail of a kite floating by). All around him the air is misty yellow and Peter looks out into the emptiness and sees nothing to save him. He is afraid at last.
Others fill the page with a classic moment from the book, such as when Peter kisses Wendy, and a few span two entire pages to draw out the drama of turning point or particularly poignant scene. In one of the most arresting, Peter stands trapped on a rock in a lagoon after rescuing Wendy (by tying her to the tail of a kite floating by). All around him the air is misty yellow and Peter looks out into the emptiness and sees nothing to save him. He is afraid at last.
