The Gifted is a small picture book illustrated by Michael Taylor and published by Warren Editions in Cape Town, South Africa. Beginning with its sparkly gold cover, The Gifted is a special experience. The images are all silkscreened by hand in their printmaking studio, and the book is hand bound and assembled. Even the hero of the story is important, and each page follows her adventures through the week. On Monday she’s galavanting around on her horse, hunting down a deer and fox on Tuesday and Wednesday, and slaying a giant beast by Thursday. Taylor’s quick, inky lines and washes bring life into every scene. Everything feels alive and moving. And our hero, always dressed in her finest, jumps from page to page before retiring on Sunday in a fluffy fur coat, glass of wine in hand.

© Julia Rothman 2007