Charles Kingsley's Water Babies in Modern Format
A Beautifully Illustrated Version of Kingsley’s Classic Moral Tale
Oct 22, 2008
First published as a series in 1862-63 then as a children’s story book with illustrations by Noel Paton in 1863, The Water Babies was originally written by Charles Kingsley for his son Grenville. Published in various reprint formats over the years, New Zealand publisher PQ Blackwell and Australian publisher Ice Water Press have produced an exquisitely illustrated version sure to appeal to modern audiences of all ages.
This latest version of The Water Babies (Ice Water Press, 2008) contains the unabridged text of the original story liberally interspersed with full page and double page photographs by Zena Holloway enhanced and complimented by drawn illustrations by Heidi Taylor. The underwater photos of babies and children particularly bring Kingsley’s story to life for young readers, compensating for the more formal tone of this almost 150 year old story.
Charles Kingsley’s The Water Babies
The Water Babies has a focus on the mistreatment of the poor, particularly children, reminiscent of Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol and the transportation of the central character to a fantasy world in similar style to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and P M Barrie’s Peter Pan.
The story centres around Tom, a young chimney sweep abused and mistreated by his employer, Mr Grimes. When Tom falls down a chimney, he comes face to face with Ellie, a beautiful young girl, whose cleanliness and purity bring to Tom’s attention his own miserable appearance.
Falsely accused of stealing, Tom flees and eventually finds himself at a river. He enters the water, where he begins his experiences in the world of the river fairies. With appearances by the River Fairy Queen and the sisters Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby, Tom’s experiences underwater teach him, and the reader, the value of doing the right thing and acting in a responsible way.
Kingsley’s tale, as with Dickens and several other Victorian writers, strives to highlight the dismal plight of the many poor workers of the time, particularly children, and the evils of the Victorian era. While the language is dated and some of the themes too highly moralistic for modern readers, this is balanced with a timeless message of hope and an appealing journey into the fantasy underwater world of the river.
Charles Kingsley
Born in 1819 in Devonshire, Charles Kingsley was 44 years old and working as an English clergyman when he wrote The Water Babies for his son. The author of many sermons, novels and books on social problems, Kingsley is best remembered for his children’s book The Water Babies and historical novel Westward Ho!, published in 1855.
Zena Holloway and Heidi Taylor
Self-taught underwater photographer Zena Holloway is an exceptional artist. She has received awards for her work both as a photographer and director and has a number of high profile commercial clients. Born in Bahrain and raised in London, she lives in London with her partner and two daughters.
Heidi Taylor is a UK-based creative director, fashion stylist and illustrator. She has adapted her distinctive style to still life and illustration as well as advertising and marketing promotions and fashion layouts.
An Unforgettable Portrayal of a Classic Children’s Story
The complimentary and outstanding talents of Holloway and Taylor have merged beautifully with the fantasy aspects of Kingsley’s The Water Babies to produce a truly memorable version of this children’s classic.
The images will mesmerise both young and old, gaining a new generation of fans for the story and enticing older readers to revisit this familiar tale from their childhood.
The Water Babies (ISBN: 978-1-92138164-5, 140 pages)
Reference:
Bibliomania.com
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