Just imagine, Wonderful land

this picture is kinda epic fail but i promised to let it go online

leliana: 

Some illustrations from a few new Russian children’s book versions of Les Mis that I picked up when I was in Moscow recently.  More like, these were two separate books by the same illustrator, meant to show two different “kid-friendly”(?) parts of Les Mis, aptly titled “Cosette” (“Козетта”) and “Gavroche” (“Гаврош”).

This seems to be a thing for children’s book versions of Les Mis in Europe, focusing on the child Cosette arc and the Gavroche arc…  Of course, we already know Russia has a fondness for Gavroche (see multiple crazy Soviet film versions named after him…), but they also love to give the gift of Gavroche to their little darlings, and so do the French, for that matter.  In addition to this “Gavroche” book, I also found another Russian version of the same, also titled “Gavroche” and containing pretty much the same parts of the book–likewise, I have a very similar Gavroche-centered kids’ book from France.  I guess kids like to read about the adventures of other kids, but, um…do kids really want to read about the horrible abuse of other kids (“Cosette”) or the horrible violent deaths of other kids (“Gavroche”)…?  The other Russian “Gavroche” kids’ book specifically informs me, the discerning “parent,” that it is intended for children ages “0+.”  

Is that, like, infants and up?  I mean, the dropped basket of cartridges is right there next to the age recommendation… Also, I should indicate that this is the same book that ends with this lovely image, for your toddlers’ viewing pleasure:

Okay, then.  :/

On a more positive note!  I did really like the watercolor style used for these two books, so I thought I’d share with you guys.  Russians have a great talent and tradition for children’s book illustrations, and I’m glad they’re also applying those talents to the literary genius of “В. Гюго.”  Now if only I could get them to do some cool children’s books of War and Peace, sigh.  Is Tolstoy really so sacred that we can’t let the kiddies have him, guys…?

Before Boyd could reply, Ryan leaned forward and pulled him into a hug. Boyd couldn’t help a large smile of his own as he returned the hug. Ryan was skinner and bonier than he remembered but it felt good nonetheless.