(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. In this retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale, a widow and her lazy daughter make the other "beautiful and good" daughter do all the housework. Each daughter spends time in magical Mother Holly's world and is rewarded for her behavior accordingly. Watts's version offers a happier ending, redeeming the lazy daughter, while the book's pastel-colored palette reflects the overall gentle tone of the story.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. Adapted and translated by J. Alison James. Soft, evocative illustrations set the stage for this lesser-known Grimm brothers story about a little girl who gives away all her possessions to help those less fortunate than she. Though she seeks no recognition, the stars provide the girl with golden coins and beautiful white clothing. The tale of kindness rewarded is sweet and comforting without being treacly.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Translated by Anthea Bell. Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. This translation of the well-known tale reads aloud well. The illustrations with lots of white space glow with golds, yellows, and oranges--very fitting for the story of the little man who spins straw into gold. Though Rumpelstiltskin's jagged shadow reminds readers of the danger, the greedy king who threatens the heroine's life just looks boyish, playing down the fear factor.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. In this Swiss import, first published in 1968, the well-known story is told simply and without embellishment, including some violent elements (e.g., the wolf's belly is slit open and filled with stones). The expansive illustrations use Old World folk-art elements to envelop readers in the forest landscapes.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. This story follows the voyage of five small pinecones as they fall from their tree into a stream and travel along the water to a river's ocean convergence. The story suggests changes in the bodies of water and surrounding terrain as the pinecones drift away one by one. Impressionistic illustrations in soft, seasonal hues add details that reflect the different landscapes.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Retold by Bernadette Watts. Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. In this smoothly retold version of one of the Brothers Grimm's less popular tales, the witch turns young girls into birds and freezes young men who wander too close to her castle. Jorindel manages to escape, frees his true love, and transforms the other birds back into young women. The intricately rendered paintings convey the story's magical quality.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. In this straightforward retelling, the happy shoemaker is paid handsomely by the rich man to stop singing but is made so miserable by his new wealth that his wife encourages him to return the gold. Detailed illustrations rendered in a warm palette and set in a European city are a comfortable fit to this well-worn tale.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Bernadette Watts. This retelling of the well-known Bible story accurately portrays Jonah's reluctance to do God's will and his change of heart after his rescue from the sea by a whale. Watts's artwork makes noteworthy use of light, emphasizing the contrast between the raging storm and the sunny desert land of Nineveh. The spreads depicting the rocking waves and tumultuous sea are particularly effective.

Reviewer: Anne St. John