THE TIN FOREST

Dutton Children's Books, 2001. 1st American Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. New/Very Good. Wayne Anderson. CONDITION: UNREAD, but not perfect, 2001 Dutton Children's Books large hardcover (pictorial boards) and dust jacket - now here's the story! First American Edition, first printing. The Wayne Anderson gray & white/color illustrations are haunting. Now, the dust jacket - in all the years I have sold this book, I had never seen a DJ on one - until now. I understand why now, too. The large cut-out on the front DJ panel is an invitation to tears and this one is no exception. The left side of the cutout is literally taped together. I will include a mylar cover in case you are better at cutouts than am I. Due to the size of the book, there is also some light edge wear to the DJ top edge. Questions welcome and answered. CONTENT: A tale with a pointed ecological message. Ward begins pessimistically with the words, "There was once a wide, windswept place, near nowhere and close to forgotten, that was filled with all the things that no one wanted." In the midst of this forlorn environment, there lives an old man who remembers better times and dreams of beautiful forests teeming with exotic birds and wildlife. Even though he tries to clear away the trash, his world remains essentially the same. One day, he plants a light bulb that takes root and grows and grows until it creates a forest made of tin and garbage. Two birds drop seeds on the dry ground; they sprout and bloom, bringing insects and small creatures to the land. The last page reiterates the first with this change: "There was once a forest, near nowhere and close to forgotten, that was filled with all the things that everyone wanted." Anderson's sinister illustrations emphasize the gray coldness of the tin forest. Colors are added as the new one comes to life. The pictures are reminiscent of those in early German folktales, depicting the forest as dark and deadly. With true eloquence, Ward has created a morality tale of environmental devastation. Ages 6 to 10 is advertised - I think 6 may be too young for this tale.