(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Uma Krisnaswamy. In this volume of original trickster tales set within a frame story and inspired by Indian folklore, Prince Veera and his friend Suku, a farmer's son, enjoy holding court when the king is not available. Time after time, the pair acts logically and kindly--and metes out appropriate justice, often with a humorous comeuppance for the villain. Traditional black-and-white illustrations are sprinkled throughout.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lessac Frané. In this traditional tale of the Irula people of Kerala, Pattan and his wife (considered ancestors of the people) and all their animals escape a mountaintop threatened by flooding in a hollowed-out pumpkin and settle in the foothills below. Lessac's richly colored, naive-style gouache paintings beautifully depict the lush South Indian landscape, and the text is just right for reading aloud. An author's note is included.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt