(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. Nico rescues an octopus from a fishing net and makes it his pet. Details about octopus life are smoothly worked into the modest story, and Nico learns a hard lesson when the octopus dies after laying her eggs. The simple text is illustrated with pale art evoking a Mediterranean setting.

Reviewer: Roger Sutton

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. This congenial collection of fifteen tales features stories by such children's authors as Geraldine McCaughrean, Gloria Skurzynski, and E. Nesbit. A few of the entries retell folktales; most are original stories, re-inventing old conventions. Pleasant black-and-white scenes frame the title of each story and add an occasional full-page view. The appealing subject and well-crafted prose proffer suitable read-aloud fare.

Reviewer: Margaret A. Bush

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. In this complicated retelling about the traditional Hindu tale of the origin of Divaali, the Festival of Light, Prince Rama wins his wife, Sita; loses her to the Demon King Ravana; defeats Ravana; and assumes the throne with Sita as his queen. An author's note explains the holiday customs, and a list of characters (and how to pronounce their names) is provided. The gouache illustrations, while vibrant, verge on cartoonish.

Reviewer: Erin Dionne

(4) K-3 DK Classic Readers series. Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. With simplified texts and using many of the same illustrations and photos as the original editions, these two tales are repackaged for younger readers (Robin Hood is geared toward more "proficient" readers). Margin notes with background information are somewhat intrusive. Although these versions lack the depth of fuller retellings, children new to reading can tackle these abridged versions on their own. Glos.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. This collection of tales is based on the epic poem Haft Paykar by the twelfth-century Persian poet Nizami. Shah Bahram invites seven princesses to live at his palace; each tells him a wisdom tale that demonstrates ideals such as faith, fairness, patience, and perseverance. The prose is often clichéd or awkward, but the jewel-toned illustrations are attractive.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Eyewitness Classics series. Illustrated by Nilesh Mistry. Published spring 1998.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(4) 4-6 Divided into four thematic sections, fifty-two well-known and unfamiliar tales are collected here. Detailed paintings reflect each tale's culture and setting, but are accompanied by captions and surrounded by text in a cluttered format. Interesting sidebar notes, illustrated with photographs, movie stills, and archival material, compare stories and add historical information. Ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.