William Papas (1927–2000)

All of the avian residents of the forest agreed that Mr. Peacock was the most beautiful bird, and Mrs. Owl the ugliest. When Mrs. Owl heads to school one day to bring her child lunch, Mr. Peacock asks her to deliver his child's meal as well, saying she will recognize the junior peacock as being the most beautiful one there. Imagine his surprise when, upon her return, she reports that she could find no child more beautiful than her own...

Apparently a well-known twentieth-century cartoonist for such British publications as The Guardian and Punch, William Papas also wrote children's stories, one of which is presented here. Originally published in 1973 by Oxford University Press, The Most Beautiful Child, was reprinted this past year (2018) in this new edition, and features Papas' distinctive illustrations. The story itself has the feeling of a classic fable, while the artwork has a lovely mosaic feeling that I found very appealing. I wasn't familiar with William Papas' work, picking this up, so I had no expectations. Having now enjoyed one of his stories, I would definitely pick up another. Recommended to fans of the artist, and to anyone looking for children's stories exploring the concept of beauty and how we perceive it.… (mer)