Comments on: Top 100 Children’s Novels #86: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:49:04 +0000

Arthur Rackham’s illustrations win hands down for me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=op4wtkcvmKM

By: Elizabeth Bird

Elizabeth Bird — Sun, 20 May 2012 02:54:09 +0000

It’s strange that I never read that one, since I remember they were hyping it left and right when it came out. Bummer that they kept the “Indians” in. I’d love to hear your thoughts on what Dave Barry did with them. Or for that upcoming YA Tiger Lily for that matter . . .

By: Debbie Reese

Debbie Reese — Sun, 20 May 2012 02:04:29 +0000

Peter Pan? Bummer. I’ve not yet done a close read of it, but I do have one on Peter Pan in Scarlet. That sequel is a doozy. On top of all the old stereotypes of Indians, we’re given a new one… Indians as throat slitters…

http://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/2009/11/analysis-peter-pan-in-scarlet.html

By: Brandy

Brandy — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:53:35 +0000

Yes, I’m sorry but I love the 2003 movie the most. Peter is a bit too old but I think it got the atmosphere of the story just right. And Jason Isaacs, shirt on or shirt off, is positively brilliant in both his roles.

By: April

April — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:03:27 +0000

This is a classic I’ve never read and need to-all these comments and this post is especially making me want to-oh and see the move too. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Jason Isaacs shirtless.

By: Madelyn

Madelyn — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:58:19 +0000

I read it in full for the first time as an adult (actually: Had the incomparable Jim Dale read it to me on the audio). I had very mixed feelings about it, too, particularly the ending. So disappointed with regards to Wendy — whether in her or for her, I’m not quite certain.

By: Christi

Christi — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:44:46 +0000

I remember that 2003 movie. It’s definitely my favorite film version, because it captures the melancholy inherent in the underlying concept (if you never grow up, what happens when all your friends do?). And yeah, Jason Isaacs is unreasonably hot as both Hook and Mr. Darling.

By: Louise

Louise — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:29:57 +0000

I loved Peter Pan as a kid; had rather mixed feelings when I re-read it as an adult. Probably the way it’s supposed to be, actually! Regardless, I think it’s one of those books every kid ought to read at least once in their life.

By: Elizabeth Bird

Elizabeth Bird — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:04:45 +0000

You know, I thought about including the Tatar edition in my covers round-up, then figured it wouldn’t quite fit in. I’m glad you mentioned it and I’d love to know your thoughts if you ever get your hands on a copy.

By: Jonathan Auxier

Jonathan Auxier — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:41:38 +0000

So, so, so glad to see this book made it onto the list. (Now if we can just get Carroll to make an appearance!). For those who love the book, it’s come to my attention that the brilliant Maria Tatar has just published an annotated edition of Peter Pan: http://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Peter-Pan-Centennial-Books/dp/0393066002/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310673440&sr=8-1