(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Victor Ambrus & Victor Ambrus. In the course of pursuing her scoffed-at goals of visiting the faraway mountain, meeting a gargoyle, and marrying a prince, Dakin befriends a troll, vanquishes an ogre, frees the mountain from evil, and finds true love in an unexpected place. The novel, first published more than twenty-five years ago, still seems fresh, and the simple pen-and-ink illustrations add fairy-tale appeal.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) 4-6 What's Their Story? series. Illustrated by Victor Ambrus. These brief biographies of three authors, two explorers, and one political activist present their subjects in clear and engaging prose. Accomplished half-page and spot watercolors on each page highlight key moments in each person's life. Time lines are appended to all but Eric (which features a source note) and Gandhi (a glossary). Ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne