Walt Disney's Peter Pan Retold by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Art by Mary Blair. Pub date - October 13, 2009

Peter Pan, the Lost Boys, and Captain Hook have been some of the world's most storied characters since JM Barrie introduced them in his beloved tale, Peter Pan.

Here, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson take a fresh look at these characters as only they can. Laced with humor, action and a dash of pixie dust, this cheeky retelling is the perfect complement to the vibrant art. (book flap blurb)

First I have to just say that galleys of picture books are just so cool! They're all loose pages and the book is all floppy but it has all of the art and story that the published bound version will have. I just get a kick out of it every time I see it!

This is one of those one-off reviews that I have. This was another BEA pick-up for me. They were stacked all neat in a pile at the Disney display and I just couldn't resist. While I'm not the best person at all to review a picture book, I can give a few words on it.

Dave Barry co-wrote it. How can you go wrong? Sure, it tells the same Peter Pan story we all know and love but at the same time it has this subtle snark that not all children might get but will have the parents snickering as they read the story to them. It's a nice touch and adds a bit of spice to a very over-told story.

And I love the artwork. They look like rough drawings but they're so full of life and color that you can't help but find yourself staring at them long after you've read the words that accompany them. It's just so rich. The art is a perfect compliment to the words. Or the words are a perfect compliment to the art, however you want to look at it.

I really don't have much to say about this one. You know the story. It's been jazzed up with Dave Barry's touch. Very cute. Just a hint of snark. Excellent art. If you have a young relative or know a young child, I'd recommend picking up this book for them for Christmas. I'm sure they'd enjoy it.