Seraphin
by Philippe Fix
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Pub Date 9 Jul 2019 | Archive Date 26 May 2019
Archipelago | Elsewhere Editions
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Description
Seraphin, dreaming of gardens full of birdsongs, sunny avenues, and flowers, works as a ticket seller in a metro station underground. One day, after being scolded by the stationmaster for trying to save a butterfly that had flown into the station by accident, he learns that he has inherited an old, dilapidated house. Overjoyed by the possibilities, he and his friend Plume set about building the house of their dreams, and much more besides! Philippe Fix's illustrations, cinematic in their scope, have enchanted children since their 1967 début. In a fresh translation, Seraphin now allows a new generation to experience the wonder and inventive spectacle of the original.
Advance Praise
"A jovial narrator guides readers through this meandering story, Nicholson-Smith's conversational translation retaining Gallic eloquence. ... Readers will also fall under the spell of Fix's inexhaustible imagination, transferred onto the page as immense, richly detailed, golden-hued watercolor-and-ink — Kirkus Reviews
"Philippe Fix is a creator with an overflowing, off-beat, and funny imagination. He's also an observer, curious about everything and attentive to the most whimsical details ... the images dazzle and pop out of their frames ... complex and provocative." --La Revue des livres pour enfants
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781939810250 |
| PRICE | US$18.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 28 |
Featured Reviews
Teresa G, Reviewer
Seraphin is a cute, quirky, philosophical tale about Seraphin and his friend Plume. Seraphin was happy just being his own self but that soon ran afoul of his boss, his landlord, and others in the community. Rather than changing who they are, Seraphin and Plume decided to change the town and built a staircase that would lead them away to new adventures. While the book is long by today's standards, it was originally published in French in the 1960s and expects adults to read to younger children. I enjoyed the illustrations and the story. It reminded me of Dahl and Suess rolled into one.
Thank you NetGalley and Archipelago Elsewhere Editions for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy.
Reviewer 539597
I'm unsure if there was a point to this book but still a good book. Pictures were wonderful and extremely detailed. Story was a bit long and ended quickly but was a nice fantasy tale.
Kirsten W, Reviewer
GENTLY INTRODUCE WAYS TO JUST BE YOURSELF
3 Amazing Picture Books That Delight and Educate 3
Seraphin is the story of a young man who does not know what he wants to be when he grows up.
Unlike many similar stories, Seraphin still has no idea when he finally becomes an adult and so he chooses a profession that will allow him to express creativity – a ticket taker at a train station.
Now you might think this is strange, but Seraphin has a plan. Just as disaster strikes, he inherits an old house that he and his young friend rebuild to fully express himself.
This is a picture book that will help you explain to your child that being yourself is the best thing you can do and being creative will always, always find a path towards helping you achieve something great.
Ryan A. F, Librarian
Such a lovely, and somewhat sad story. Seraphin is just a man, who has no idea what he wants to be as an adult. He is constantly looking to fill his life with joy. The illustrations are old school, but they are the perfect charming match to the story inside the pages. The story is quite long for a picture book, and it ends abruptly. Overall, it’s an enjoyable reads. Reminds me of some of the stories that used to be profiled on Reading Rainbow.
Elaine N, Reviewer
This is a wonderful short story, filled with love, hopes, dreams, true friendship, and all about going out there and making positives from everything.
A great book for a small child, one that I can imagine would be read over and over at bedtime. The pictures are beautiful as well.
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