(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by Tony Ross. Wilde's sophisticated novel of the seemingly ageless Dorian Gray and the portrait that reflects his debauchery is presented unabridged and accompanied by adequate watercolor illustrations. Historical facts, biographical information, and supplemental photographs and art are included in the margins, though perhaps not as overwhelmingly as in previous volumes of the series.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by William Geldart. Historical notes, small color photographs, and illustrations in the margins, along with a few double-page spreads offering more information, supplement the text of Dickens's classic holiday tale about generosity. The additional notes add to the crowded format and are by no means comprehensive, but provide some interesting facts. The watercolor sketches are of average quality.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by Francois Place. Dr. Jekyll, a respectable doctor by day, morphs into Mr. Hyde, a depraved criminal, by night, in this Victorian classic. In addition to its watercolor drawings, this edition of the thriller provides information on Stevenson and the times in which he lived. While the background, including period photographs and engravings, provides context for the story, its placement on pages throughout the story is distracting.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by Philippe Munch. London's classic novel, which follows a half-wolf dog from the wild to domesticity, is presented in an unabridged format, with supplemental facts, commentary, reproductions, and photographs crowding the margins. Although the auxiliary information may be helpful for students seeking background on the novel and its subject matter, it is also distracting and draws attention away from the story.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by Jame's Prunier. "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" are among the other six stories in this collection, which is profusely illustrated with atmospheric artwork. Vying for space in the margins are supplemental facts, biographic details, and archival photos. Although this informational approach may enhance the text for students, the intense stories require focus and sustained immersion to be completely effective.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by Philippe Munch. Copious notes about Shelley and about people, places, and things mentioned in the story fill the margins of this edition of the classic tale. Some of the information may help readers better understand the novel, but most of the annotations are superfluous and distracting. The volume is heavily illustrated with reproductions and original watercolors.

Reviewer: Anne St. John