(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gail De Marcken. Following the same format as the duo's Princess Tales, this volume offers witty retellings--in sometimes awkward verse--of ten princess stories set around the world, among them "Scheherazade," "The Firebird," and "Rapunzel." Each tale is paired with detailed seek-and-find paintings that are more picture puzzle than story-developing; somewhat strangely, the pictures include characters from other well-known folktales not included here. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Célia Chauffrey. This accessible retelling of E. T. A. Hoffmann's story emphasizes Clara's emotional experience of this magical night and the qualities that make her deserving of it. Textured jewel-toned illustrations are festive and welcoming. Both text and art attempt to correct the tale's frequently stereotypical portrayals of visitors to the Land of Sweets from "faraway lands"--with varying success. Bib.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher