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The Golden Cage

The Golden Cage

By Anna Castagnoli

Illustrated by Carll Cneut

Translated by Laura Watkinson

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SHORTLISTED for the 2020 English 4-11 Picture Book Awards

Valentina the emperor’s daughter is an obsessive collector of exotic birds. Her servants track down every bird she desires - just one remains unfound: a bird that talks. Servants search far and wide to fulfill her impossible quest - and she beheads those who fail. In Valentina’s palace, heads roll every day! Will the golden cage ever be filled? 

A deliciously dark European fairy tale with words as rich as its bold and luxurious illustrations

Download your teaching notes written by Stephen Connor here

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Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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J
Jo Bowers
The Golden Cage

This remarkable picture book really stands out with stunningly detailed illustrations by Carll Cneut, filling whole pages of the large hardback book to pore over alongside the text set out in green font and large pencilled handwriting. The illustrations also contrast starkly with the dark and chilling fairy tale of Valentina, the emperor’s daughter, who collects the most exotic birds from around the world to fill her birdcages in her garden and chops off the heads of anyone who dares to come back empty handed. When she dreams one night about a bird who can talk sweetly to her, she knows that this is the bird for her golden cage, that will make her collection complete. What makes this quite a unique tale is how the reader is allowed to decide the end for the Valentina waiting for her talking bird egg to hatch. Anna Castagnoli has beautifully written an unusual European fairy tale for older readers that will invite discussion and most definitely encourage a wealth of possible endings.

A
Anna Darby
The Golden Cage

This book's illustrations are a feast for the eyes and the story packs a punch too. A dark, haunting tale that offers up plenty of themes to discuss.

I
Imogen
A dark fairy tale with plenty to discuss!

I can see so many ways to use this book in the primary classroom. It is dark and unique with a protagonist that the reader never warms to (uncommon in children's books, I find!). I like the way that Valentina's name emits feelings of love and warmth and yet she is the complete opposite and her bloodthirsty ways end in an open-ended mystery.
The way some of the words are written in pencilled handwriting is very powerful when paired with the illustrations, bringing to life the story. Plenty of deep themes to discuss too - selfishness, greed, power, beauty, loneliness and fate. A contemporary and memorable fairy tale that will grip all readers.

V
Victoria
A tale for our acquisitive times

This book is so beautiful and the artwork by Carll Cneut is exceptional.

H
Hilary Brown
Makes you think!

I read this aloud to my class of varying reading abilities and I was amazed how it appealed to every ability and prompted discussion. We loved the artwork and the message. I bought another one to give as a gift as it is so beautiful.

Ages 6+/Adult
Format Hardback
Origin Italy/Belgium
Pages 56
Publishing date 27 September 2019
Size 340 x 260mm