(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jill Weber. In this faithful retelling of the Purim story, beautiful Esther becomes queen of Persia and saves her fellow Hebrews from wicked Haman. Kimmel's storytelling is straightforward and natural (though the text may be too long for younger children). Weber's rich jewel-toned illustrations are a treat, evoking the grandness of the royal setting and the intense emotions of the characters.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Daniel San Souci & Justin San Souci. Some fur traders accept a mysterious stranger's offer to be magically transported home for Christmas Eve...provided they don't speak until they arrive. They break the promise but outwit the stranger for a happy ending in this variant of a Canadian tale. The conflict is too-easily resolved, but the chilly illustrations and smattering of French provide a strong sense of place. Glos.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Katya Krenina. When her mother discovers spiders living in the family's Christmas tree, Katrusya insists the tree remain indoors to keep the creatures from freezing. The spiders reward Katrusya's kindness by turning their webs to silver. Kimmel incorporates Ukrainian words and phrases into the text for better appreciation of the folktale and culture. Krenina's oil paintings, in lush, warm tones, are quietly festive.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2010

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Susan Guevara. Missionaries from Spain interact (and sometimes clash) with other cultures they meet in these six tales of love, faithfulness, and sacrifice that take place in and around four Texas missions, including the Alamo. A brief, balanced introduction describes the historical context and significance. Heavy oil illustrations are appropriate for the time period, if not for the audience. Timeline.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. This energetic distillation of the oldest surviving epic poem in English literature tells of the Viking hero Beowulf's defeat of Grendel, a monster who has been ravaging Denmark. Pared to its dramatic essence, the story has enough action to satisfy even today's media-saturated youngsters. Fisher's large, solid figures in a brooding palette are worthy of Kimmel's text.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher. Cervantes's famous character comes to vivid life for a young audience in this incident adapted from Spain's most famous novel. Bold illustrations from varied perspectives perfectly capture the drama of Don Quixote's illusions. Appealingly told, the text underscores the wry humor and poignancy inherent in this knight errant's story.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katya Krenina. Kimmel and Krenina set this artful retelling of a Latvian folktale in Ukraine. The simpleton youngest son inherits the farm, only to give it to his older brothers so he can join his cat bride in her enchanted castle. Exquisite mixed-media illustrations enhance the sense that all is not what it seems.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Winch. Animals play a pivotal role in the lives of these twelve legendary men and women on the road to sainthood. Kimmel narrates their acts of piety and faithfulness (and includes a few frightening details of persecution and martyrdom) in a straightforward manner. A full-page illustration accompanies each vignette. An excerpt from St. Francis's "Sermon to the Birds" serves as a preface, and an author's note explains canonization.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein. In this keen-witted and expertly paced folktale, a feudal lord in ancient Japan wants his castle rid of a large, wily rat. Kimmel's direct and humorous adaptation moves the story along quickly, as do the illustrations, several of which are presented in small panels that provide comic-strip-style action. An author's note contains a brief source note and some samurai history.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2003

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katya Krenina. This story moves adroitly through its plot: Haskel the tailor wants to make a cloak to keep his beloved Moon warm but lacks appropriate material. Searching for fabric, he finds a wedding gown made of beams of moonlight, mends it for its royal owner, and is rewarded with enough thread to begin his own project. Richly colored gouache pictures illustrate this retelling of a story by Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian