The Magic Bookcase

Hans Christian Andersen Medalist Robert Ingpen brings classic stories to life in a collection that serves as his magnum opus to the imagination.

Featured in New York Times Book Review "8 Picture Books About Books"

World-renowned illustrator Robert Ingpen begins his magical journey through the world of classic children's stories with a mural he worked on for years, inspired by the great storybook characters. The original mural is more than 20 feet long, but Mr. Ingpen knew he had to find a way to turn that work into a book in its own right. This book contains some of his favorite quotations from the stories that inspired him, as well as an eye-popping fold-out centerpiece with a reproduction of the full mural. This book is an eye-popping illustrated celebration of the power of imagination.

Robert Ingpen was born in Geelong, Australia. He began studying illustration and design at the Royal Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT University). Since 1970 he has written and illustrated well over one hundred books, and in1986 he was awarded the highest honor in the children's book world, the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, for his long term contribution to international children's literature. His books for minedition include The Dreamkeeper, If You Wish, and The Ugly Duckling.