(4) K-3 Illustrated by Winslow Pels. In this cautionary tale set in long-ago Persia, wealthy young Ali learns the worth of every human being when a beggar he's long spurned tells him the secret to curing his gravely ill father: Ali must himself beg for coins to buy the ingredients of a healing stew. Slightly stylized illustrations in jewel tones support the text, which is exemplary if predictable.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Winslow Pels. Working from a variety of sources, Mayer retells the story of Iron John, the magical wild man who protects the woodland creatures. When Iron John is captured, young Hans sets him free, thereby becoming Iron John's protégé and, eventually, heir to his considerable "wealth and power." The lengthy retelling and the detailed illustrations, full of nature, offer an eye-catching portrait of the mysterious wild man.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert