Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
HarperCollins (2010)
Description
Go on a journey to unknown, but strangely familiar, lands and then travel home again.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ncgraham
This is a slim volume, so I will keep my thoughts brief.
Neil Gaiman’s poem “Instructions” has been appearing in various anthologies and short story collections for going on ten years now. I’m not always the greatest fan of this fantasist’s writings—Stardust produced mixed feelings in
I’m not sure I find the picture book format the best mode of presentation for this selection—there’s just something about letting the words speak for themselves—but I’m grateful that this latest publication is bringing “Instructions” more attention. And Charles Vess’ illustrations are delightful in themselves. Recommended.
Neil Gaiman’s poem “Instructions” has been appearing in various anthologies and short story collections for going on ten years now. I’m not always the greatest fan of this fantasist’s writings—Stardust produced mixed feelings in
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me, and I was downright repulsed by a couple of his short stories—but this is a charming piece, informing the reader what he must do if he stumbles into a fairy tale. (“It’s always best to be prepared for these things, after all,” Gaiman wrote in his author’s note for one anthology.) The prose is somehow both plaintive and witty, and the author manages to make something original out of the patchwork of folklore, myth, and legend he’s brought together. In short, “Instructions” reminds me of all the reasons I admire and respect Neil Gaiman, and contains none of the elements that sometimes disturb me.I’m not sure I find the picture book format the best mode of presentation for this selection—there’s just something about letting the words speak for themselves—but I’m grateful that this latest publication is bringing “Instructions” more attention. And Charles Vess’ illustrations are delightful in themselves. Recommended.
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LibraryThing member NSZ
A pretty poem complemented by the excellent work of Charles Vess. However being just a short poem I have a hard time understanding why the list price is $15. For me it works very well in the same vein as "Oh the Places You'll Go!" and is an excellent gift for a graduating Gaiman fan, granted you
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get it on Amazon for less than $10. Show Less
LibraryThing member babsji
I don't know if I like this book more for it's whimsy, or because I was fortunate enough to hear him read it at The Bama Theatre in Tuscaloosa. And Charles Vess's fantastical illustrations fits in perfectly with the fairytale theme.
LibraryThing member raizel
A very spare book, but inspiring. How to live your life by following what you've learned by reading fantasy---fairy tales and legends. Be kind to everyone, no matter how strange; trust, but do not be too trusting. Realize that what seems desirable from a distance may not be.
There are references to
There are references to
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many stories, including answers to riddles and questions without the original context, and pictures of famous characters. The River Styx and the tower from the Arthurian legends make guest appearances along with many fairy tale creatures. Show Less
LibraryThing member qgil
Compressed art of fantasy storytelling. Read to my kids, also enjoyed by myself.
LibraryThing member EustaciaTan
I don't normally understand poetry, unless I've studied it for a long time, such as Robert Frost or Wilfred Owen (I'm sorry Mr Soyinka, I still don't understand Background and Friezes).
But Instructions? I understood it perfectly. I love the references to the different fairy tales, and how Neil
The illustrations by Charles Vess is so suited for it, and reminds me of why I will not buy Stardust until I find the version that he illustrated. The pictures enhanced the content, and makes it easier for everyone, especially young children to enjoy this book.
I think this is an excellent book to encourage a friend, or as a present, or to just keep for yourself. The instructions lend themselves to so many situations and are very encouraging, especially during difficulties.
But Instructions? I understood it perfectly. I love the references to the different fairy tales, and how Neil
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Gaiman interweaves them together to form a coherent narrative. This short book is well worth the expensive price I paid for it (well, when you think of the price to pages ratio). The illustrations by Charles Vess is so suited for it, and reminds me of why I will not buy Stardust until I find the version that he illustrated. The pictures enhanced the content, and makes it easier for everyone, especially young children to enjoy this book.
I think this is an excellent book to encourage a friend, or as a present, or to just keep for yourself. The instructions lend themselves to so many situations and are very encouraging, especially during difficulties.
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LibraryThing member dcaitlyn
Neil Gaiman has written books for adults and children. This book is a bit of both. Generally his methods of revisiting magic and wonder with a self-referential sense of humor are entrancing to both those who are new to the world of fantasy and those who appreciate it with a sense of familiarity and
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nostalgia. Show Less
LibraryThing member callmecayce
This is a short, adorable instruction manual to the fantasy world. Someone returned it to the library and I snapped it up, based on the cover alone. It's sort of a reader beware kind of book, but aimed at kids. It's a great introduction to the fantasy genre and will hopefully have kids looking for
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more fantasy as they get older. Show Less
LibraryThing member drachenbraut23
Actually, I was a slightly - but only slightly - dissapointed. Being a Neil Gaiman Fan, of his books as well as his Graphic Novels, I sort of expected something more? different? Maybe the point is that I am not a great poetry fan. I got this book because 1. I collect children books and 2. this book
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has been praised for his exceptional art work,beautiful prose and the abillity to challenge any childs imagination. Exceptional art work - No - It's lovely art work, but definately not exceptional. Exceptional I find the art work of Shaun Tan and others. Beautiful prose - Probably a matter of taste. Challenging a child's imagination - definately. There is quite a lot to see and find in the pictures which leads to a lot of questions and indeed helps to roam into the fantasy world. What I did like very much is "Trust your dreams" "Trust your heart, and trust your story". Daring children to be brave enough to follow their dreams and heart wishes, that nothing is impossible as long as you believe in it. :) Show Less
LibraryThing member hcurrey
A guidebook to being in the world, this story is rich in symbolism, allusions, and metaphor, which makes it a great read-aloud to many different age-groups, up to and including high school and adults. The genderless main character makes it appropriate to target at girls or boys, or both.
LibraryThing member Sullywriter
The poem in picture book format, beautifully illustrated with many references to well and lesser known fairy tales.
LibraryThing member amaraduende
I get chills reading this. Magical, simple, delicious.
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Rich in fairy-tale allusions, and proffering a wealth of advice for the hero upon his archetypal journey, Neil Gaiman's poem Instructions - which first appeared in the fantasy collection A Wolf at the Door: and Other Retold Fairy Tales, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling - has been remade
Although I enjoyed the poem, its strength, for me, lay chiefly in the allusions, from the mention of the twelve months sitting around the fire (see: Samuil Marshak's The Month-Brothers: A Slavic Tale, or Rafe Martin's Twelve Months), to the description of the dangers of spewing diamonds and roses (see: Charlotte Huck's Toads and Diamonds). As a narrative, it was somewhat lacking, and sometimes felt a little disjointed (yes, even as a poem), but I was willing to forgive that, because of my enjoyment of the references, and the artwork by Vess. Recommended to fairy-tale readers, and to fans of Gaiman and/or Vess.
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here as a picture-book, with artwork by Charles Vess. The result is an engaging journey into a landscape that readers of the genre will recognize immediately, and a celebration of all the terrors and joys to be found therein.Although I enjoyed the poem, its strength, for me, lay chiefly in the allusions, from the mention of the twelve months sitting around the fire (see: Samuil Marshak's The Month-Brothers: A Slavic Tale, or Rafe Martin's Twelve Months), to the description of the dangers of spewing diamonds and roses (see: Charlotte Huck's Toads and Diamonds). As a narrative, it was somewhat lacking, and sometimes felt a little disjointed (yes, even as a poem), but I was willing to forgive that, because of my enjoyment of the references, and the artwork by Vess. Recommended to fairy-tale readers, and to fans of Gaiman and/or Vess.
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LibraryThing member dukefan86
Charming poem and beautifully detailed illustrations make this Neil Gaiman book a delightful, hypnotic read! So glad I discovered it on a display in the library!
LibraryThing member kmjanek
Highly Recommended
This seems to be an all ages picture book. I was not really sure what to expect from Neil Gaiman in a picture book. This book takes you on a journey through a fairy tale world. It tells you about things you should do and things you should not do. It seems to be advice on life and
I think younger readers will take the words and advice at face value. Older readers will appreciate the different interpretations and perspectives one can take from this poem. The setting is very fairy tale-like and the main character looks like a cat or a fox. This book could be read in the classroom as poetry. It could also be studied in an art class as to how a visual artist was able to illustrate a poem. The feelings and emotions could be explored both through the words and the drawings.
One of the reviewers said the book was written in second person point-of-view, something that I would not even have noticed. But this could be a great tool for middle school and high school teachers to use as an example of second person. It could also be used to start a unit on fairy tales in any grade. It would make a great read aloud book in the library or classroom for all ages.
I thought the Kirkus reviewer had a great point when they stated, “It could be instructions for a child, a writer, a newly minted adult or an elder.” I agree. This book would make a good addition to an elementary, middle or high school library. A very enjoyable read.
This seems to be an all ages picture book. I was not really sure what to expect from Neil Gaiman in a picture book. This book takes you on a journey through a fairy tale world. It tells you about things you should do and things you should not do. It seems to be advice on life and
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that making the right choices will get you further on your journey. At the end of the journey, you are “to go home or make a home or rest.” That can be interpreted in a variety of ways.I think younger readers will take the words and advice at face value. Older readers will appreciate the different interpretations and perspectives one can take from this poem. The setting is very fairy tale-like and the main character looks like a cat or a fox. This book could be read in the classroom as poetry. It could also be studied in an art class as to how a visual artist was able to illustrate a poem. The feelings and emotions could be explored both through the words and the drawings.
One of the reviewers said the book was written in second person point-of-view, something that I would not even have noticed. But this could be a great tool for middle school and high school teachers to use as an example of second person. It could also be used to start a unit on fairy tales in any grade. It would make a great read aloud book in the library or classroom for all ages.
I thought the Kirkus reviewer had a great point when they stated, “It could be instructions for a child, a writer, a newly minted adult or an elder.” I agree. This book would make a good addition to an elementary, middle or high school library. A very enjoyable read.
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LibraryThing member matthewbloome
This was a neat kind of book, written in the second person and seemed to sum up a lot of fairy tale cliches and common themes in a few short pages. It was fun and simple and if it had been any longer it would have been going into overkill. I liked it as it was.
LibraryThing member AdrienneWood
I am not really sure how to explain why I like this book because I'm not really sure if I really understand it. The book is a series of instructions for a character in the book, BUT as I read it, it's almost like it is instructions on how to lead a good life, like it is so much deeper than the
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story. Show Less
LibraryThing member LarissaBookGirl
A Puss in Boots has one day decided to take a walk following a path he has never used before. It is a path well hidden and only just discovered. But this will be no ordinary walk; it is a guided tour through a world of enchantment and danger. If you do not follow the Instructions you may never find
Instructions will guide you through a light and magical story full of friendship, mysteries and oddities. If you have ever wondered how to survive the perils of coming up against princesses, giants or wolves, if you have contemplated how to endure in a fairytale land then these clear and decisive instructions will set you straight. But listen carefully for there is wisdom too in these words that will be of benefit in our own strange and wondrous world. Instructions is a book to live by.
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your way home, but if you pay attention you may just learn the mysteries of a fairytale land.Instructions will guide you through a light and magical story full of friendship, mysteries and oddities. If you have ever wondered how to survive the perils of coming up against princesses, giants or wolves, if you have contemplated how to endure in a fairytale land then these clear and decisive instructions will set you straight. But listen carefully for there is wisdom too in these words that will be of benefit in our own strange and wondrous world. Instructions is a book to live by.
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LibraryThing member elenchus
A synthesis of fairy tale wisdom, or perhaps: a condensed assay of mythopoeic themes and tropes, doled out as if imparting life lessons.
W pronounced it "interesting but weird". I cannot improve upon that review.
W pronounced it "interesting but weird". I cannot improve upon that review.
LibraryThing member flamingrosedrakon
A beautiful poem and one that I didn't even know came in its own book format for I had found it hidden in a collection of stories of which I couldn't remember. Fortunately a few months back my sister made mention of the poem while finding me and ordering me this book.
Although it takes on the ring
Although it takes on the ring
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and taste of a fairytale instruction manual the book's words can also be used to understand the wisdom of the world that we live in. It is beautiful for those who can read and for those who may only be able to see the pictures. Show Less
LibraryThing member kradish
This would be a great book for use at the end of a unit about fairy tales/folklore. Otherwise, I fear that many of today's children to not have the prior knowledge to understand why this book is an invitation to adventure and imagination. Could be used as a prompt for older children's writing:
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choose three instructions from the book and write a story in which the main character(s) must follow those instructions. Show Less
LibraryThing member Gregorio_Roth
Neil Gaiman, teams up with illustrator Charles Vess, to bring an engaging invitation to journey. Instructions, is everything you need to know on your journey. Where does that well lead to? How do you treat the old lady that sits under the tree? What, on earth, do you do with an eagle feather? The
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illustrations by Charles Vess are just right for young imaginations: not to boring, nor too scary. This book may be overlooked due to a cover that is understated, but don’t overlook it, the book is fantastic. Show Less
LibraryThing member crunchymunchkin
One of the things enjoy about Neil Gaiman's writing is his subtle incorporation of mythological and fairy tale motifs in his fiction. 'Instructions' plays with the typical fairy tale structure. Gaiman uses very spare prose to remind readers of all the twists and turns that await those who travel on
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the path or stray from it. This is a book that is and isn’t a story, is whimsical and sober at once, playful and cautionary. The illustrations by Charles Vess are a wonderful with surprises and secret details sprinkled here and there throughout the pages. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookworm12
A children’s book in classic Gaiman style, we follow along on a short journey with the author’s instructions leading the way. There are monsters and creature to meet along the way, some to trust, others’ to avoid. I fell for this book after hearing Gaiman read the whole thing during a talk I
BOTTOM LINE: It’s a gateway book for youngsters to get introduced to Gaiman’s work with lovely illustrations and wise advice on every page.
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attended a few years ago. His lilting British accent made each new line come alive.BOTTOM LINE: It’s a gateway book for youngsters to get introduced to Gaiman’s work with lovely illustrations and wise advice on every page.
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LibraryThing member joeydag
Interesting picture book. Sort of a lessons learned from many fairy tales.
Awards
Locus Award (Finalist — Art Book — 2011)
Locus Recommended Reading (2010)
Original publication date
2000
Local notes
Signed with drawing