ReadItDaddy's Second Book of the Week - Week Ending 30th August 2019: "The Golden Cage" by Anna Castagnoli, Laura Watkinson and Carll Cneut (Book Island)

Time for yet another "WOW" book from those lovely folk over at Book Island, again combining the considerable talents of Anna Castagnoli and Carll Cneut (with translation by Laura Watkinson).

"The Golden Cage" is exactly the sort of brilliant tale we want to see more of in children's picture books, one that doesn't slather on the moral message at its heart like too much butter on too little bread - but one that weaves a story world that is enticing, captivating and draws you straight in (again, largely thanks to Anna's utterly amazing writing style and Carll's truly sumptuous and luxurious illustrations.

The story centres around Valentina, the Emperor's daughter who is a rather spoiled and over-privileged girl. She wants for nothing, yet sends her servants off around the world to collect all manner of birds of all shapes and sizes, colours and hues.

Despite her amazing collection one type of bird completely eludes her grasp.  A bird that talks.

Her long-suffering servants search far and wide to fulfill her impossible quest - and she beheads those who fail.

In Valentina’s palace, heads roll every day! Will the golden cage ever be filled?

We won't spoil the end, suffice to say that Valentina might just learn her lesson. If you adored Carll's illustrations for the gorgeous "The Witch Fairy" (written by Brigitte Minne) you know what to expect with the amazingly details panels in "The Golden Cage" - truly a feast of a book.