Neil Gaiman's version of "Sleeping Beauty", complemented by beautifully matching drawings of Chris Riddell

As early as 2013 in the anthology "Rag and Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales" appeared, was "The Sleeper and the Spindle" now reissued. Neil Gaiman tells the story of a young queen who opens up with three dwarfs in a kingdom that has been cursed. For about 80 years, the inhabitants are in a deep sleep, which is now spreading around to hatch. Among the sleeper is also a princess who needs to save it.

In "The Sleeper and the Spindle" is Neil Gaiman's version of "Sleeping Beauty". Besides allusions to "Sleeping Beauty", includes "the story elements from" Snow White ". So the Queen has jet-black hair and red lips. In addition, a long time in a glass coffin and a curse be mentioned. Gaiman linked these known elements with their own ideas which are partly predictable, but partly also surprising.

Gaiman's story is complemented by black and white drawings by Chris Riddell. The two artists worked in the past successfully on joint projects such as "The Graveyard Book" and "Coraline". Chris Riddell's illustrations are very detailed and provide the individual scenes are very impressive.

Worth mentioning is the cover design. The dust jacket is printed on basic forth transparently and with rose vines. Among them it would appear the printed book cover with the sleeping princess, which cooperates well and perfectly to the content of the story fits (Sleeping Beauty, which is sleeping behind the hedge of thorns).