(4) K-3 Retold by Ruth Brown. Illustrated by Ruth Brown. Brown's greatly abridged retelling of Sewell's tale maintains the horse's famous first-person narration and the major events of his life, but the deep emotional tug of the original book is lessened. The power of this edition comes through its pictures. Richly detailed illustrations showcase the lush country of Black Beauty's youth, dark stormy nights, and the cold reality of London.

Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ruth Brown. Jim, the quayside cat, loves to listen to Old Tregarn's tales of his life on the high seas. When the feline pair sneaks onto a ship, Jim experiences his own ocean exploits and realizes that his true home is on land. The lyrical language and striking, painterly illustrations infuse this story of friendship and adventure with just the right amount of nostalgia.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(2) K-3 This snappy retelling features plenty of dialogue and a protagonist named Too Nice, who is harassed by her sisters and forced out into the woods to visit the witch Baba Yaga. Fortunately, she is accompanied by the wise doll, given to her by her mother before her death. Dramatic illustrations contrast the big-eyed, innocent Too Nice with a tangibly--and glamorously--demonic Baba Yaga. No sources are given.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.