THE WOMAN WHO FLUMMOXED THE FAIRIES: An Old Tale from Scotland

A shorter version, focusing more on the fairies and less on the woman than does the classic rendition of Sorche Nic Leodhas in Heather and Broom (1960, o.p.)--and giving up much of its rich flavor and authentic lilt for the sake of a more contemporary-sounding simplicity. Still, it's a grand tale of a baker-woman who's as generous as she is clever, tricking the fairies by seeming to oblige them--and then regaining her own freedom while letting them have the cake they covet. Gaber's bold paintings are handsome without being over-pretty, though the woman wears too much makeup for such a quintessentially sensible character. Fine for story hour.