THE MAN WHO KEPT HOUSE
by Peter Christian Asbjornsen & Jorgen Moe & illustrated by Svend Otto S.
A smoothly updated, basically intact rendition of the tale Dasent called ``The Husband Who Was to Mind the House,'' with lively illustrations by a Danish Andersen Medal winner. Wielding his soft pencil with a free hand and adding sunny watercolors in realistic hues, the artist conveys all the story's slapstick humor in generously large illustrations with some delightful touches—a dog and cat that view the man's troubles with alarm and amusement; or the cow that gives him an affectionate lick as he ties her on the roof. Spirited, accessible, and true to the story's native flavor—an excellent edition. (Picture book. 3-9)