I received a sample for this review/feature. Opinions expressed are my own.
I have always been fascinated by fairy tales and it is always an extra special treat when I get to read one that I have never heard of before. The Ru-lan adventures are a six volume series of illustrated children’s books written by Laurence Bennett and illustrated by Basia Tov. Laurence, a publishing industry executive, is the proud father of Olivia Cai-Hua, a beautiful ten-year-old ?princess,? adopted from China nine years ago. Basia, originally from Poland, is a school teacher and mother of two wonderful children: Kyle, age ten; and Nell, age seven.
Shortly after his miraculous birth, made possible with help from the phoenix, prince Ru-lan is captured by Su-ling, the evil enchantress, who plans to raise Ru-lan and use him to take over the kingdom. Several years later, the phoenix reminds the little boy of his real identity, and he escapes from Su-ling’s cottage with the help of his animal friends. Once their son is firmly ensconced in the palace, the emperor and empress undertake a daring plot to forever rid the kingdom of the threat of the evil enchantress.
These books recount the early life of Prince Ru-lan, born to the Emperor and Empress with the magical help of the Phoenix. Throughout the six volumes, it takes young readers through his birth, kidnapping and daring rescue, through his youth, finishing as he reaches manhood and marries the princess. After reading this first book we are officially hooked and we can’t wait to see what happens in book two, Ru-lan Volume II – Attack of the Stink Bugs. A great book to introduce your child to a new fairy tale.
