Why don’t you do what you dream?
by Audrey Pongracz, 2013
Modern Classics that Need More Illustrators: The Neverending Story
Michael Ende’s Die Unendliche Geschichte or, translated, The Neverending Story, first published in 1979, and later translated into English by Ralph Manheim in 1983. is a classic from my childhood that I can probably call my favorite fantasy novel of all time; the word “probably” entering into the conversation only because Peter Beagle’s The Last Unicorn is a close contender!
This wonderful fantasy is incredibly popular, yet relatively few illustrated versions of The Neverending Story exist, and, although I am waiting on an answer about a possible second version illustrated by Chuck Groenink, so far, only one English version has been illustrated (by the original illustrator, Roswitha Quadflieg), that I can confirm. **Editor’s note! The Folio Society has just (Autumn 2022) published a beautiful version illustrated by Marie Alice-Harel!!! I am beside myself with joy!!! Click here to see it.
There is however, a fantastically illustrated, GORGEOUS, German version. I acquired this one with the idea that while reading it aloud from the English translation, my son could follow along with the magnificent artwork.
This German version, illustrated by Sebastian Meschenmoser, is lavishly illustrated in full color with printed endpapers, the Auryn is embossed on the cover under the dust jacket; there are penciled spot illustrations scattered throughout, and chapter headings in the form of line drawings, and it follows the original in having Bastian’s perspective printed in red text, while the events happening within the book he is reading, being printed in green.
The Original Illustrator - Roswitha Quadflieg
Roswitha Quadflieg’s red and green duotone decorative initials, illustrated to resemble medieval manuscripts, mirrors the nostalgic and mysterious qualities that run throughout the book. Echoing the surrealism that Michael Ende perhaps absorbed from his father (who was one of Germany’s first surrealist painters (Edgar Ende)), her artwork is the perfect pairing.
The truth is, I adore Roswitha Quadflieg’s illustrations. However, this blog is about making it easier to read aloud to children, and her illustrations occur only as chapter headings.
Here is the link to see a hardback copy featuring her illustrations:
∞ The Neverending Story illustrated by Roswitha Quadflieg from AMAZON
Below slides show some of the covers of The Neverending Story with interior illustrations by Roswitha Quadflieg.
I love to fantasize about which illustrator would be great for this title!
'If I had to choose an illustrator for this work, I would definitely go with... Levi Pinfold'.
This was a tough one. John Rocco, Marie-Alice Harel, Chris Riddell (who actually did cover art for one of The Neverending Story paperback editions!) or Tony DiTerlizzi would all be fantastic illustrators for this title.
Simply creating an English version of the above Die Unendliche Geschichte illustrated by Sebastian Meschenmoser would also make my day!
Audrey Pongracz captivated me with her Childlike Empress in the above Why don’t you do what you dream? limited edition screen print, reminding me not to lose sight that emotional expression is all-important in this story wrought with hope, fear, longing and courage. Pongracz herself seems to be more of a print artist than an illustrator (although I would love to see her illustrate!) but do check out her work; she also has a magnificent piece from the above mentioned The Last Unicorn! Here is her website: Audrey Pongracz
But Levi Pinfold’s work just resonates The Neverending Story vibes with me…incredible expression, artwork that is both bold and empty at the same time, like The Nothing which ravages Fantastica; great with horses. But when I saw his Black Dog and imagined Falkor, I was sold. I’ve added a view pictures below of some of his work that captivated me for this title, but to see much, much more, visit his website: Levi Pinfold
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Thank you so much for the compliment!!!!