Instructions Hardcover – April 21, 2015

I love Neil Gaiman's stories, poems, graphic novel, and books. So realize that I am giving you this review with a somewhat biased viewpoint. Instructions is a poem that I first read in Gaiman's collection of children's stories " M Is for Magic ." I loved the poem, which is an somewhat eccentric list of instructions about how to survive a fairy tale...and on a deeper level how to live you life in general.This is a great book for young children, older children, adults and all ages in between. My three year old finds the book fascinating, as do I. Some people might find the somewhat crazy random and quirky instructions in this book a bit odd. Mostly though this poem is somewhat mysterious, fun, gives incite into fairy tales, and is a wonderful imaginative adventure.Charles Vess's illustrations add a ton to this book. They are beautiful and mysterious and absolutely perfect for this poem. You can hear Gaiman read the whole book and see all of Vess's wonderful illustrations at: [...]So before buying check out the above link to see if this book is for you.I personally thought this was a wonderful book. It is a great children's book the provokes imagination and introduces both poetry and fairy tales. It is a great adult book in that it sends a message about how to live your life. Adults will recognize references to many popular fairy tales. I absolutely loved this book. I will keep in in my library for ever.

"Instructions" is one of my all-time favourite poems, and it's among my favourite things that Neil Gaiman has ever written. Charles Vess always does such fine work, such detailed and quirky illustrations, and so I knew the marriage of the two would be brilliant.The poem itself is beyond charming. In it, Gaiman gives advice on how to survive if you find yourself plunked down inside a fairy tale. The advice is part tradition, part instinct, all heart. The poem isn't very long (which makes it perfect for adapting to a fairy tale), but it still packs in so many wonderful themes and sly references. It has a beautiful cadence as well, just the sort of rhythm perfectly suited for story-telling around a fire.Vess brings delightful whimsy and colourful atmosphere to Gaiman's words. His protagonist, a gender-inspecific feline creature, marches confidently through the tale. Vess's images are touching, haunting, and brilliant, almost breath-catching in places. The accompanying images to riding the eagle, the fish, and the wolf are some of my favourites. The real fun of the book, though, is the marginalia, all the details of Faerie that Vess includes. The detritus of a hundred tales graces the pages, references to the stories that must have inspired Gaiman to write the poem in the first place, but which aren't directly part of the narrative.I recommend this book to just about anyone. It's a children's book, but it doesn't have to be. The advice is timeless, and will likely push nostalgia buttons for adult readers. The art is quality no matter what age you are. And the idea of believing in yourself and in your story is something you're never too old to need reminding of.

I adore Neil Gaiman and all of his work and the illustrations by Charles Vess are magical. A lovely little book that will delight readers of all ages. I can hear Neil’s voice while reading this. Check out anything you can to listen to Neil reading and you will see what I mean. He is wonderful.

I read this to my sons before bed. And I quote:"The ending was weird.... and the middle part too. The beginning was weird too."Its weird. Unlike any picture books we've read before bed. But in a way that is what made it magical. It was so very unique and poetic. The artwork was thought provoking as well. I think I liked it more than my kids. It's probably going to stay on my bookshelf instead of theirs. But it seems like one of those works you read mindlessly to put yourself to sleep, and results in you pondering your own existence in your dreams. Totally worth it, for me!

Love this poem! When I am asked to read a poem in front of friends, this is choice #1.

Gaiman is the best fantasy writer... ever! His storytelling is flawless and sweet and dangerous and frightening... all at the same time. I've been a fan of his since I picked up the Sandman in the 90s. No surprise that this brilliant talented human doles out sage counsel through such wonderful prose. And the art does that fantastical writing justice!I bought several copies so I can give them to friends who forget that they're living an adventure...

I've read it twice and teared up both times. It makes me feel. However, my roommate read it out loud and it hit differently. Perhaps it was what he's currently struggling with or just what I have overcome. It hits me in the nostalgia feels. Strawberry Girl, also by Neil Gaiman, gave me a similar response.

A unique, beautifully written and designed book fit for those about to be stepping out on a new journey.

You can’t do any better than Charles Vess illustrating Neil Gaiman.

Je l’ai acheté pour moi (un adulte) ! (Voilà qui plairait sûrement à Neil Gaiman !! ) J’adore le texte et les illustrations. Si l’enfant en vous n’a pas disparu…une invitation pour l’imaginaire.

Con todo el estilo del autor este cuento corto es inspirador y hermoso. Las ilustraciones son magníficas. Es muy fácil de leer y es tan corto que puedes leerlo a niños muy pequeños.

This is an amazing book, not because of the illustrations (which are truly wonderful) and not because of the story (which is classic Gaiman), but because it is a gateway to so many tales. Follow the journey and you will pass paths leading you to stories you will know, to stories you half remember and to stories you have yet to meet. The challenge is to find those tales and weave them into the story as you read it.

Neil Gayman se luce con este cuento/poema construido a partir de las advertencias que reciben los personajes en los cuentos de hadas. No se si me gusta más a mí o a mis sobrinas. El libro es de buena calidad, tapa dura y resistente. El envío perfecto y rápido.