"An unfortunate early reference—to the villainous Woodpecker Man's 'black' fingers and hands before readers know he's not human—aside, this is an exceptionally honed story with levels of depth. (Fantasy. 9-12)"
This finely tuned adventure opens with William Blake's "The Tyger" and lives up to that reference in surprisingly accessible ways.
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"As emotionally intense but not quite so dark as Nancy Willard's rendition, illustrated by Barry Moser (1992), this version will draw a profound response from its customary pubescent audiences. (Fantasy. 10-13)"
Barrett's finely wrought paintings create an appropriately dreamy, romantic atmosphere for this formal retelling of the classic tale.
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"But her story was just beginning.' (chronology, author's note, Web site) (Picture book/biography. 7-10)"
Poole introduces Anne Frank, one of the most recognizable figures of Holocaust history, to younger audiences in this picture-book biography written in succinct and candid language.
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"The translation is fine and sure, and Barrett's artwork is splendid, full of lively vignettes and early-20th-century details, complete with a company of wise dogs and the impeccably expressive faces of bystanders. (Picture book/folklore. 6-9)"
From Lewis (The Steadfast Tin Soldier, 1992, etc.), a plucky new treatment of the familiar tale.
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"Try pairing this intriguing tale with Barber's The Mousehole Cat (1990). (Folklore/Picture book. 6-10)"
A long, agreeably spooky tale in which two loyal tomcats rout a trio of witches who've invaded a desolate site overlooking a peaceful Highland village.
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"Especially intriguing as a contrast to Nancy Ekholm Burkert's illustrations (Caldecott Honor, 1973), which are as elegant but much lighter in mood. (Folklore/Picture book. 5-10)"
A graceful, somewhat extended version of the original Grimm, with a gentler ending: instead of being forced to dance to her death in red-hot shoes, the wicked stepmother dies of ``her own poison'' in the form of a rose she intends for the happy bride.
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