The Glassmaker's Daughter by Dianne Hofmeyr and Jane Ray (Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

Here's a fantastic version of a folk tale that appears in many cultures all around the world. Let's take a look at the stunning "The Glassmaker's Daughter" by Dianne Hofmeyr and Jane Ray...
Daniela is the glassmaker's daughter. She is very beautiful, but eternally grumpy and never smiles, despite living a wonderful life amongst the spires and canals in Venice along with her father.

The Glassmaker is sad, and tries just about everything to cheer his grumpy daughter up.

He hatches a plan - and promises a beautiful glass palace to anyone who can make her laugh.

News spreads of the Glassmaker's challenge and people soon come to Venice from far and wide to try their luck in amusing Daniela.

But mask makers, lion tamers and magicians cannot raise a smile from the princess, no matter how hard they try.

Oh dear, who's a sour puss then?

It is only when a young apprentice makes the first looking glass that Daniela learns to smile – at her own grumpy reflection!

Beautiful romantic Venice, who could possibly be grumpy here?

We really loved this version of the story, with glorious illustrations that will make you pine for a quick sail down the canals in a gondola, to romantic crooning from a gondolier (or it might make you really crave Cornettos. Charlotte definitely fell into that latter category).

"The Glassmaker's Daughter" by Dianne Hofmeyr and Jane Ray is out now, published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books (kindly supplied for review).