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Jane Yolen
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Dove Isabeau Library Binding – January 1, 1989

by Jane Yolen (Author), Dennis Nolan (Illustrator)
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
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Young, beautiful Dove Isabeau is turned into a fire-breathing dragon by her evil stepmother and is saved from the spell by her true love, Kemp Owain.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 10 years
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 4
  5. Dimensions
    8.75 x 0.25 x 11.25 inches
  6. Publisher
    Harcourt Childrens Books
  7. Publication date
    January 1, 1989
  8. ISBN-10
    0152241310
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0152241315
  10. See all details
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New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Yolen's new fable, redolent with myths ageless and archetypal, strikes at the heart. Dove Isabeau, so-called because she always wears dove's colors of gray or white, is bereft at her mother's death. Her father, Lord Darnton, marries a witch--with "eyes the green of May but a heart as bleak as February." Jealous of Isabeau's youth and beauty, the witch resolves to destroy her and turns her into a great Wyrm, an ugly, scaly red dragon. The dragon is condemned to preventing Isabeau's suitors from entering the castle (by eating them), until "No one was left to watch the red beast weep as it gnawed upon their bones." Only when the king sends abroad for his son, Kemp Owain, to return from his study of sorcery is Isabeau saved, and not without a bit of help from her mother's cat, who issues instructions in the sweet voice of the dead queen. Word and picture are wedded here in perfect harmony. Nolan's somber, lucid watercolors, full of detail, show the interior of the castle, the witch's tower room, the transformation of gentle Isabeau into the fearsome, ugly dragon. Less effective, and only because the others are so strong, are those showing the young couple in happier times. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-- A cold, craggy northern shore is the setting for Yolen's haunting tale of dark sorcery, which she richly embroiders with traditional fairy-tale conventions and imagery. The beautiful young Isabeau is as sweet and innocent as a dove, yet she possesses a fiery inner spirit. After her mother's death, she is left with only the Lady Darnton's cat for companionship. Her father remarries, but the woman is, in fact, a witch intent on destroying Isabeau. Using herbs of devilry, the stepmother turns the girl into a hideous red wyrm (dragon) who must eat the young men who come to fight it in order to survive. After 99 have met this fate, prince Kemp Owain, who has studied good magicks, returns to try to save the kingdom. The cat speaks to him in riddles, explaining how to break the evil spell; he succeeds but is turned to stone in the process. Isabeau then slays the witch and again it's the cat who helps bring the prince back to life. Nolan's dramatic watercolors are nothing short of magical. The blues and grays of the rocks, the sky, and the sea capture in turn the stark beauty and menacing nature of the cliffs. His realistic renderings of people are extremely effective, and his majestic wyrm could strike fear in the bravest of the brave. The exquisite book design and sophisticated themes of self-sacrifice, good triumphing over evil at a cost, and lost innocence suggest a mature audience. A powerful and appealing picture-book fantasy with a "happily ever after" ending. --Luann Toth , School Library Journal
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harcourt Childrens Books; First Edition (January 1, 1989)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Library Binding ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0152241310
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0152241315
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 10 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 0.25 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 22 ratings

About the author

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Jane Yolen

Jane Yolen

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
22 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Jaine L. Benson
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the first book I ever read by Jane Yolen.
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2011
Verified Purchase
When you read a tale that is spun with surprise, drama, and delight, you first ask, who is this author and I wonder what else she writes, and what her general thinking style is like to come up with this gem. I asked, and then went on to read every Jane Yolen book I ran across. I think when you read Dove Isabeau, you will agree.
2 people found this helpful
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Taunya Gren
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect condition for a wonderful story
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2017
Verified Purchase
My children have loved this book their wholes lives. The art and story are powerful. This was a library copy so much less expensive, but was still in perfect condition. I couldn't be happier.
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E A Lake
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Condition for a used Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014
Verified Purchase
We ordered this as a gift for our daughter's birthday. Something she had read many times as a child.

The book is just as promised. In great shape and ready for a 31-year-old to enjoy and save for years to come.

Thanks!
One person found this helpful
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Cecilia Rodriguez
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good quality
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2013
Verified Purchase
I remembered reading the story and wanted to get it for my niece. The book is in excellent condition and I am sure my neice will add the book to her collection.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Srong female character and beautiful illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2014
This is a great non-traditional fairytale (as in not Grimm Brothers). A strong female character and beautiful illustrations. I would recommend for 3rd grade and up
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J
5.0 out of 5 stars I first came across this beautiful book at school when a librarian introduced me to ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2016
I first came across this beautiful book at school when a librarian introduced me to it and have had a problem finding it since. Fortunately I now own a released library copy so I can re-read this as many times as my heart desires.

This is a beautiful fairytale retelling where the story is familiar enough to lull the reader into thinking they know the end and then having a surprise twist to it. There is more than one hero in this tale but which hero do you call the bravest is up to you.

I will admit this is a story you may want to watch reading to your children for it can be bit gruesome in a vague way while the pictures are gorgeous. Sometimes while reading the book I just stare at the pictures for a few minuets since the breath-taking details add to this story.

If you like fantasy and fairytales this is definitely a keeper.....
One person found this helpful
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xXx
5.0 out of 5 stars Very special book
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2014
I loved this book as a child. I had my parents read it when I was little and then read it on my own over and over through the years. This is one of those special books from childhood that buried itself inside me and shaped who I became.
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MercorMaulkin
5.0 out of 5 stars A story you will never forget
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2004
I found this book while volunteering at a library when I was 12 and was absolutely spellbound. The story is full of deeper meaning and the illustrations are gorgeous. It is at once an enchanting fairy tale a younger child can enjoy, and a story that will speak to the heart of a preteen or teenager. It contains messages about unconditional love, of looking beyond appearance and even behavior to the person within, and self-acceptance that are beautiful and touching for all ages. I now have three daughters of my own and can't wait to share this book with them. It is a book that a child could appreciate for many years, finding different aspects to enjoy as they grow.
5 people found this helpful
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