A funny illustrated fairy tale for early readers about the brave and capable Dulcinea, who must save her father from the witch's spell and get him home to celebrate her birthday. Dulcinea has known since she was small not to enter the dangerous magic forest where the witch has her castle. But her father hasn't come home from collecting blueberries for her birthday pancakes. Did the witch cast a spell on him? Dulcinea must brave the dark forest and sneak into the witch's castle to steal the spell book and free him. Her father would hardly have named her after the brave Dulcinea if she couldn't break a witch's spell to celebrate her birthday with him! This is a funny fairy tale for children starting on independent reading, with warm and characterful illustrations and a witty story.

"Dulcinea in the Forbidden Forest is as well written and funny as we expect from Ole, and the illustrations are quintessentially warm and full of character-especially the duck" Julia Marshall, Publisher

About the Author
Ole Koennecke was born in 1961 and spent his childhood in Sweden. He now lives in Germany and has produced over 30 books, several of which have won international awards.

Reviews

"It's a well-told tale with an indefatigable heroine, and an interplay of words and pictures that feels as if it shares lineage with Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl. A fine winter evening read-aloud, to be enjoyed next to a warm fire with a plate of cookies. Or, you know, "biscuits." "

-- The New York Times

"This fairy tale is updated with some attitude and a gentle poking of fun at fairy-tale tropes. There are also some seriously funny illustrations. The juxtaposition of Dulcinea's earnest, often deadpan mien and the witch's over-the-top dramatic expressions is priceless."

-- Kirkus Reviews

"Koennecke offers gentle comedy throughout: "Besides, nothing bad could happen to you on your birthday, could it?" Concise chapters move the pace along as readers follow Koennecke's inky, black-outlined art in a tale for those who love magic, fairy tales, and blueberries on their pancakes."

-- Publishers Weekly

"With the charming trappings of an old European fairy tale and a comical dash of irreverence, this German import tells the story of a girl who must save her father from a witch's spell. This will easily be a success with both young listeners and readers, who will be drawn to dauntless Dulcinea."

-- Booklist



Book Information
ISBN 9781776573950
Author Ole Koennecke
Format Hardback
Page Count 64
Imprint Gecko Press
Publisher Gecko Press