ANDROCLES AND THE LION

With nine more tales, the third collection of Aesop from this duo. Folksinger Paxton's retellings continue to be pungent and amusing, though he's prone to awkward phrasing in aid of his self-imposed verse forms. But Rayevsky's vigorous, satirical illustrations are still outstanding; and as a dividend—in a sly reminder that these stories are universal—he costumes his characters chronologically, from a Roman Androcles to a mischievous wolf wearing untied high-tops and listening to a boom box. (Folklore/Picture book. 4-10)