The Merchant Enticed by the Pearl of Great Price
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Cover Story
This issue’s cover illustration by Fangorn is taken from Brian Jacques’ Lord Brocktree (Hutchinson, 0 09 176877 2, £12.99), the thirteenth title in the internationally best-selling Redwall series. Salamandastron, the ancestral home of the Badger Lords, is under threat from Ungatt Trunn, an enemy whose power would seem to be absolute and whose evil knows no bounds. The only hope for survival is the badger Lord Brocktree who is drawn to the fortress by an undeniable sense of destiny. Brian Jacques' masterful storytelling as always spins a web of high adventure that will enthral the reader from the first page to the last. Thanks to Hutchinson Children’s Books for their help in producing this September cover.
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The Merchant Enticed by the Pearl of Great Price
Illustrated by Meilo So
This tale is an elaboration of the parable recorded in Matthew, chapter 13, verses 45-46. It has a modern, fresh appeal and a circular format, the opening of the story being revisited in the final pages. Meilo So's illustrations are rich and colourful, giving rise to great spirit among the many characters peopling the story. As wel as pearl-divers there are fishermen, picnickers and children playing beside hot, palmlined beaches. There are Kings, Princesses and potentates in cities around the world. Tropical birds, fish, flowers and trees flourish on every page, as we watch the central character become more and more obsessed with finding the finest, most perfect pearl. As a rich merchant, he returns eventually to his birthplace, to find friendship outweighing the finest pearl he has ever seen. A well-constructed re-telling, enhanced by the quality of the pictures.
