The Amazing Paper Cuttings of Hans Christian Andersen

The whimsical, often astonishingly complex paper cuttings executed by Hans Christian Andersen serve as the subject as well as the principal illustrations of this attractively designed book. Striking cutouts, typically from white or light-colored paper, are set off by dramatic black backgrounds. A succinct text outlines the major events in Andersen's life, from his childhood in a slum of Odense to his later career as a celebrated writer. As Brust emphasizes, Andersen's paper cuttings were an integral part of his storytelling performances: he cut while he spoke, unfolding a finished piece at the end of his tale. A final chapter describes some of Andersen's paper-cutting techniques and discusses the history of that art form. An intriguing glimpse of the famous author's lesser-known talent. Ages 7-9. (Mar.)