Maybe I'm being too generous with my rating because I love the film, but overall 'Brave: One Perfect Day' is another nice picture book for children.
'One Perfect Day' is written by one of the writers of Pixar's 'Brave', Steve Purcell (also known as the creator of 'Sam & Max'). It doesn't really have a plot, nor does it follow the events of the movie (it's like a first-act book, in truth). Its 33 pages consist mostly of Pixar's top princess, Merida, going out with her horse and exploring the medieval Scottish highlands, making POV observations along the way. One story similarity to 'Brave' is the rift between Merida and her strict, overbearing but kindhearted mother, Queen Elinor.
While at first the book may seem not to have a point, there are underlining messages in the end (that are similar to the film's messages). They include: stick to your family; be generous and considerate but also never give up who you are; all teachings will at some point in your life help you; and if you are to go out on adventures, make sure to bring home souvenirs.
There's also a very subtle theme of birth and rebirth, when Merida finds bird eggs, touches the powerful waterfall, and watches animals taking care of their young. She discovers new things; and not just from an old, dark kingdom she comes across...
The artwork is perhaps 'One Perfect Day''s main highlight. The use of watercolours is simple but lovely, and it especially makes Merida and her red hair stand out superbly with the green, blue, brown, purple and grey of DunBroch and its castle and far-off lands. The style shows off both her spirit and the spirit of the Scottish moorland setting.
And that cover. Merida is drawn with her amazing hair blowing in the wind, punching her fists in the air - whilst holding her bow - and shouting with jovial confidence - no doubt happy to have one day of freedom to do whatever she likes. Now THAT'S the Merida I know and love - not the sparkly, mild, make-up-and-shoulderless-dress-wearing petite princess Disney is marketing her as. Except: What's that stick protruding from under her dress? Is it meant to be her leg? Funny, considering that her father is the one with the peg leg. But joking aside, the cover is an eye-catcher (have I mentioned already that Merida's hair is something for sure!)
'Brave: One Perfect Day': Tame but beautiful in its own way; which makes it a fair companion to what I consider to be Pixar's most under-appreciated film. The book delivers what it promises from its title. I'm sure people who liked the film will find something to like in it. Or more specifically, kids who liked it will find something to like in it.
Well, I for one am glad to own the wee title. It is, to quote Merida's last line, "never, ever typical."
Final Score: 3.5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment