Instructions

"Instructions" is one of my all-time favourite poems, and it's among my favourite things that Neil Gaiman has ever written. Charles Vess always does such fine work, such detailed and quirky illustrations, and so I knew the marriage of the two would be brilliant. The poem itself is beyond charming. In it, Gaiman gives advice on how to survive if you find yourself plunked down inside a fairy tale. The advice is part tradition, part instinct, all heart. The poem isn't very long (which makes it perfect for adapting to a fairy tale), but it still packs in so many wonderful themes and sly references. It has a beautiful cadence as well, just the sort of rhythm perfectly suited for story-telling around a fire. Vess brings delightful whimsy and colourful atmosphere to Gaiman's words. His protagonist, a gender-inspecific feline creature, marches confidently through the tale. Vess's images are touching, haunting, and brilliant, almost breath-catching in places. The accompanying images to riding the eagle, the fish, and the wolf are some of my favourites. The real fun of the book, though, is the marginalia, all the details of Faerie that Vess includes. The detritus of a hundred tales graces the pages, references to the stories that must have inspired Gaiman to write the poem in the first place, but which aren't directly part of the narrative. I recommend this book to just about anyone. It's a children's book, but it doesn't have to be. The advice is timeless, and will likely push nostalgia buttons for adult readers. The art is quality no matter what age you are. And the idea of believing in yourself and in your story is something you're never too old to need reminding of.

This is one of the best childrens' books I've ever read. The prose is captivating, mesmerizing, and wise—it speaks at a very deep level both to children and to adults. The art is equally good, and bears long, loving stares. Don't just read this book as a toss-off one-off, make it an occasion. Find the right bedtime or the right quiet rainy day, and sit everyone down to quietly and carefully read together. It's a book that demands and sustains reflection. If you're after comparisons or similars, the closest that I can come up with is Snutt the Ift by Helen Ward. Both traffic in the numinous in ways that children will be able to access. I'm now reading through everything else that Neil Gaiman has ever written for children, as this book is one for the ages—it ought to be passed down from generation to generation for centuries to come.

It is one of my FAVORITE short stories from Gaiman’s short story collection Fragile Things and I was SO EXCITED to find out that was available on its own and so BEAUTIFULLY illustrated. I didn’t know if my 3.5 year old would like it but she loves it. I’m not sure she grasps the prose but she definitely loves the pictures and we read it almost every night. That said, it’s a TINY short story (basically a poem) about how to survive a fairy tale, it’s colorful and imaginative but it’s not an extensive beginning to end conclusive story with a plot and characters. If that is what you’re looking for I wouldn’t bother but I’d you like whimsical fantasy it’s enchanting.

This is not a proper book, but rather a instruction book in case one finds one's self in an adventure, especially of the fairy tale variety. It's charming and well illustrated. To my surprise, it has become one of my 6 year old's favorite books to read on her own. She's very much enamored with stories, and convinced that one day, she'll find herself in the middle of her own fantastical adventure with her two pet dragons and her dog...and find pirate treasure, of course.

I love Neil Gaiman's stories, poems, graphic novel, and books. So realize that I am giving you this review with a somewhat biased viewpoint. Instructions is a poem that I first read in Gaiman's collection of children's stories " M Is for Magic ." I loved the poem, which is an somewhat eccentric list of instructions about how to survive a fairy tale...and on a deeper level how to live you life in general. This is a great book for young children, older children, adults and all ages in between. My three year old finds the book fascinating, as do I. Some people might find the somewhat crazy random and quirky instructions in this book a bit odd. Mostly though this poem is somewhat mysterious, fun, gives incite into fairy tales, and is a wonderful imaginative adventure. Charles Vess's illustrations add a ton to this book. They are beautiful and mysterious and absolutely perfect for this poem. You can hear Gaiman read the whole book and see all of Vess's wonderful illustrations at: [...] So before buying check out the above link to see if this book is for you. I personally thought this was a wonderful book. It is a great children's book the provokes imagination and introduces both poetry and fairy tales. It is a great adult book in that it sends a message about how to live your life. Adults will recognize references to many popular fairy tales. I absolutely loved this book. I will keep in in my library for ever.

I adore Neil Gaiman and all of his work and the illustrations by Charles Vess are magical. A lovely little book that will delight readers of all ages. I can hear Neil’s voice while reading this. Check out anything you can to listen to Neil reading and you will see what I mean. He is wonderful.

Ce petit livre est à lire et à relire, à partager avec ses enfants... Les jolies illustrations de Charles Vess accompagnent à merveille les "instructions" de Neil Gaiman : instructions pour survivre dans le monde des contes qui raviront les enfants, et, à un autre niveau de lecture, les parents, car ces instructions sont également valables dans notre monde... Chaque livre de Neil Gaiman est un enchantement... pour moi ce n'est ni un auteur ni un écrivain, mais un Conteur, comme les frères Grimm ^_^

If you love fantasy or Neil Gaiman this is for you! I love the gorgeous illustrations by Charles Vess (who also did the illustrations for the Complete Earthsea) and the accompanying poem from Gaiman is beautiful and mysterious If you are like my significant other, and unsure about Gaiman being able to write a child friendly story, I can assure you this is good for young readers/young eyes. Any 'Gaiman-esque' things are usually hidden within the poem and are merely hinted at with the illustrations. I read the book to my little guy twice in a row and he loved it and being able to identify and name the various fantastical creatures Seriously Gaiman is one of the most imaginative authors out there working today Read him Love him

Con todo el estilo del autor este cuento corto es inspirador y hermoso. Las ilustraciones son magníficas. Es muy fácil de leer y es tan corto que puedes leerlo a niños muy pequeños.

Neil Gayman se luce con este cuento/poema construido a partir de las advertencias que reciben los personajes en los cuentos de hadas. No se si me gusta más a mí o a mis sobrinas. El libro es de buena calidad, tapa dura y resistente. El envío perfecto y rápido.

I just love this book. It's advice for every adventurer to take to heart. You can read it in five minutes, but you should take a good hour and really steep yourself in the beautiful illustrations and lyrical quality of it.