British-Finnish illustrator, Sanna Annukka, is best known for her textile designs for Finnish brand Marimekko, but she has also done the illustrations for two Hans Christian Andersen tales that I desperately want on my own shelves.
The Snow Queen
Hans Christian Anderson
Illustrated by Sanna Annukka
9780399578502, hardcover, Penguin Random House, $16
Publisher’s Marketing: Hans Christian Andersen’s magical tale of friendship and adventure is retold through the beautiful and intricate illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in deep blue, with silver foil embellishments, The Snow Queen is elevated from a children’s book to a unique work of art.
The Fir Tree
Hans Christian Anderson
Illustrated by Sanna Annukka
9780399578489, hardcover, Penguin Random House, $16
Publisher’s Marketing: Hans Christian Andersen’s tragic tale of naive greed and dissatisfaction is retold through the striking and contemporary illustrations of Finnish illustrator Sanna Annukka. Cloth-bound in rich forest green, with gold foil embellishments, The Fir Tree is elevated from a children’s book to a unique work of art.
Bonus Illustrator: Yayoi Kusama
She has a stunning, black-and-white illustrated The Little Mermaid version that is really a collector’s art book more than a children’s story (the mermaid on the cover is topless, for instance). Primarily known as the “Priestess of Polkadots,” Ms. Kusama is known for her infinity rooms, which are filled with mirrors (read more here). This updated classic is not to be missed!
The Little Mermaid
Hans Christian Anderson
illustrated by Yayoi Kusama
9788792877598, hardcover, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, $45
WildlyRead 