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.

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 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.

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

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.