(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli. In a story combining themes from three northern European folktales, a princess accomplishes nearly insurmountable feats in order to rescue her beloved prince. The long but compelling narrative features an imperfect but spirited heroine, a bevy of well-chosen magical elements, and well-crafted prose. Romantic illustrations in hues of pink and blue capture the enchanted northern landscape.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Nicoletta Ceccoli. Granted one wish after saving a faerie's life, a poor woodcutter can't decide whether to request the baby he and his wife have longed for, the restoration of his aged mother's eyesight, or wealth that would lift his family from poverty. The luminescent art is marked by unusual perspectives. The text is long for a picture book, but the woodcutter's story "found in many forms across many cultures," will hold readers' interest.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Gail Newey. Notes in the back of the book outline the sources for the eleven stories and poems included in this slim compendium. Fairies have been a popular topic lately, but this book offers some new and different tales. Using deep tones of purple, orange, blue, and green, the fanciful illustrations help create a magical mood. Bib.

Reviewer: Anne St. John