(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Chris Molan. Warm, impressionistic illustrations, framed with brief excerpts of scripture, flow across each double-page spread like murals. Culled from the four Gospels, the text skillfully avoids most denominational doctrines. The focus is on Jesus' ministry and teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. Scripture sources accompany the small-type text, and an annotated list of people in the Bible is appended. Ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) 1-3 Shakespeare Collection series. Illustrated by Chris Molan. Each Shakespearean play is retold as a short story with a condensed plot and thin characterizations, and Shakespeare's language is completely missing. Still, those seeking accessible summaries of the plays may find the books in this series a good place to start, and the black-and-white and color illustrations--delicate for Romeo and Juliet and cartoonish for Twelfth Night--are nicely suited to each volume. [Review covers these Shakespeare Collection titles: Much Ado about Nothing, Twelth Night, Antony and Cleopatra, and Romeo and Juliet.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Eyewitness Classics series. Illustrated by Chris Molan. This adaptation of the first half of the classic story (Good Wives is not included) preserves the flavor of the novel by following the plot closely and retaining much of Alcott's original prose. Informative sidebars offer information about the Alcotts and customs of the time, and a few double-page spreads featuring captioned photos provide background material.

Reviewer: Anne St. John