(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Elena Abesinova. An acquisitive peasant named Pakhom is never satisfied with what he has and travels to a country where he is told, "You may have all the land you can walk around in one day." So strenuous are his exertions, however, that Pakhom collapses and dies from exhaustion just as the day is ending. Intricately patterned and precisely detailed art full of icongraphic Russian images and rich color suit this cautionary tale.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gennady Spirin. Told he's too young to attend school, little Philipok secretly dons his father's fur hat, defiantly slips out the door, and heads for the schoolhouse. Once Philipok proves his eagerness to learn, the gruff schoolmaster softens and allows him to stay. Detailed, warm, and sumptuous, Spirin's illustrations create a romantic mood that brings richness to Beneduce's unadorned text.

Reviewer: Mary R. Holt