(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Isabelle Brent. Philip draws from a range of sources for this small-sized collection of fifty-eight prayers and poems. The major world faiths are represented, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism, as well as Native American religions. Many of the selections are well known. Brent's delicate, detailed watercolor borders are edged in gold and give a traditional, formal feel to the volume. There is no table of contents or index.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Isabelle Brent. A humorous and well-told legend of the Devil's adventures on Noah's Ark explains why humans have since been plagued by fleas. The Devil is unwittingly invited onto the ark when Noah's wife is reluctant to board and a frustrated Noah snaps, "Oh, you devil, come in!" The formal illustrations, with their gold borders and delicate watercolor paintings, seem incongruous with the earthy tale.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Isabelle Brent. Making appearances among the twenty Celtic tales gathered in this handsome collection are "The Three Blows" from Wales, the Scottish "Molly Whuppie," the Breton story "The Black Cat," and the Cornish "Duffy and the Devil." Full of magic and adventure, some of the tales will resonate with readers as variants of Cinderella and other oft-told stories. The elaborately bordered watercolor paintings are saturated with gold and jewel-like colors.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Isabelle Brent. Seventeen of Andersen's tales, including old favorites such as "The Little Mermaid" and "The Tinderbox" as well as several lesser-known ones such as "The Bell" and "The Toad," are retold to preserve Andersen's colloquial style. Lavish watercolor illustrations embellished with gold leaf bring out the magic and spiritual longing of the tales.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen