The White Snake

"A white snake that empowers a servant with the ability to understand insects, birds and other animals and to communicate with them. Nadler's revision of this wonderful Grimms' tale reinforces themes that are just as significant today, if not more so, than in the past: kindness to animals and nature, the brutality of tyranny and sexism, and the affection between people of different races and classes. Lovingly illustrated, this is a story that will touch the hearts of all readers." - Jack Zipes, Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota
"Nadler updates a lesser-known Grimm’s tale with diverse characters, compassion for animals, and a feminist hero. Randall, a young servant, loves canny Princess Tilda, but her father, King Arnold, is a neurotic tyrant. Sent by Arnold to spy on a neighboring kingdom, Randall discovers that King Boris dines on white snake; after Randall tries some, he finds that he can understand the language of animals, allowing him, en route home, to assist and save many. And when Tilda persuades Arnold to invite suitors to compete for her hand, the creatures offer Randall help in return. Nadler’s crisp, neatly laid-out panel artwork is easy to follow, with moments of video-game-like adventure, and bites of magic food produce a hilariously trippy effect as pulsing rainbow halos appear around the eaters’ heads. In an afterword, comic artist Paul Karasik offers context for the modernized components, in particular “girl power,” and makes a case for the free retelling of traditional stories—a sign of more to come, perhaps. Ages 8–up. (May)" - Publishers Weekly
"Nadler makes this tale fresh, multiethnic, and accessible to younger children. His shrewdest update is the transformation of Princess Tilda from a prize-to-be-won supporting character into an adept and capable ruler who directly challenges her father's outdated belief that a woman is incapable of wielding power well." - Kirkus Reviews
"Ben Nadler retells one of my favorite fairy tales … turning it into a fast-paced and irreverent graphic novel. The result is funny, engaging and an absolute delight. " -- Kelly Barnhill, New York Times Book Review
“The White Snake, even with Nadler's smart (and funny) tweaks, this old tale, first collected by the Brothers Grimm in their first edition of the German folk and fairy tales in 1812, stays strange - and delightful!” — BOOKS4YOURKIDS
“Nadler has reinterpreted the Grimms’ fairy tale for 2019, playing with gender roles and cultural representation in the process … this presentation will certainly better resonate with young readers today … You’ll almost certainly come away smiling from ear to ear.” — Jamie Greene, The Roarbots
"Creator Ben Nadler has turned this timeless tale into a modern version that will resonate and delight today’s young readers." - Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal
"This lesser-known Grimms' tale gets a contemporary facelift with a diverse cast, feminist heroes, and emphasis on the natural world. The brightly colored panels are simply drawn but feature hidden surprises and humorous details. Endearing characters and plenty of adventure make this a highly appealing adaptation. Includes an overview of fairy tales and an analysis of this iteration and the original tale." - Booklist
2020 Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List!