(2) K-3 Illustrated by Barry Moser. This story incorporates some authentically scary motifs from African-American oral tradition. The plot pits a capriciously vituperative witch, Wee Winnie, against Uncle Big Anthony, who's considerably diminished in the process. Moser's fierce illustrations reflect a reality of historical suffering. Give this book to kids who beg to be chilled and thrilled--but be sure they mean it.

Reviewer: Betsy Hearne | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2004

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon. This title story from the late Virginia Hamilton's brilliant collection of American black folktales The People Could Fly is now reissued as a stand-alone picture book, handsomely illustrated in full color. The Dillons, who also illustrated the original collection, fill the book with powerful images.

Reviewer: Terri Schmitz

(1) K-3 Illustrated by James E. Ransome. The late Virginia Hamilton's funny, satisfying version of the old trickster tale uses the phrasings and rhythm of Gullah speech: "Rabbit, him, is tricky-some--about to fool a body and not do a lick of work himself." Her retelling is zesty and conversational, making a great read-aloud. Ransome uses watercolors to depict the green farm and countryside. Though wearing human clothing, the animal characters are otherwise realistically depicted.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2004

(4) 4-6 Telling family remembrances are the key to the past, and eleven-year-old Valena tries to connect with her heritage as she deals with the inevitability of change during the summer before sixth grade in a new school. Diffusely told, the pieces of the story do not always fit together, but perhaps that is the message Hamilton sought to convey in this, her last story.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Leo Dillon & Diane Dillon. This adaptation of a West Indian version of "Rumpelstiltskin" not only has plenty of mischief in its own right but also gives some spirit to its heroine, poignancy to its trickster, and long overdue payback to its greedy king. Gold paint, naturally, frames the theatrically posed pictures, which contrast rich patterns in clothing and décor with elegant portraiture of the (human) principals. With its easygoing lilt, the text reads aloud well.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2000

(1) 4-6 This twenty-fifth anniversary edition of the award-winning book features a new introduction by the author.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: October, 1974

(2) 4-6 Dreenie, new to an "arty-darty" magnet school in upper Manhattan, desperately wants a best friend. Tuli, a brash but insecure classmate, quickly latches onto Dreenie, who instead finds herself drawn to another classmate, Natalie, who has leukemia. The complexities of friendship among the three fifth-grade girls are eloquently explored in this short, accessible novel.

Reviewer: Kathleen T. Horning | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2000

(2) 4-6 This sequel to Cousins takes place a year after the events of the previous novel, as Cammy and her distant cousin Elodie are eagerly anticipating the upcoming family reunion. They unexpectedly come upon two girl relatives at Cammy's father's house, and eventually, Cammy discovers that one is her half-sister. A quietly emotional story, this novel will appeal primarily to fans of the first book.

Reviewer: Nancy Vasilakis | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 1999