SARA CREWE, OR WHAT HAPPENED AT MISS MINCHIN'S

Actually an early, shorter version of The Little Princess, first published in St. Nicholas magazine, this story of an orphaned boarding school girl's course from riches to rags to riches reads like an improvement, or an adept modern period piece, by a less indulgent admirer. In comparison, the longer novel seems to milk the sentimental story for more than it is worth. Margot Tomes' illustrations are knowingly old-fashioned yet with far more poignant appeal than the pictures in recent editions of the longer, more syrupy story.