(4) 4-6 This scholarly presentation describes each of twenty prophets, from Moses to Malachi. The word "prophet" is written in Hebrew throughout, reflecting the book's focus on the prophets' roles in Jewish tradition. The book lacks adequate background information and may confuse readers who don't know much about early Jewish history, nevertheless, it's beautifully illustrated with reproductions of classic paintings of its subjects.

Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke

(2) PS Each of these wordless books about the adventures of a boy and a rambunctious frog is a tiny masterpiece of storytelling, with expressive characters and easy-to-follow action. Thankfully, no attempt was made to change the cozy trim size, colorize the art, or--heaven forbid--add words to these reissues. Review covers these titles: Frog Goes to Dinner, Frog on His Own, and One Frog Too Many.

Reviewer: Terri Schmitz

(4) 4-6 Mayer pairs paintings by Rembrandt, da Vinci, Millet, and other artists from the fifteenth to twentieth centuries with Christ's words as recorded in the Gospels. Although this attractively designed volume is more of an adult coffee-table book than a picture book, it provides a context for the paintings that may make the art more approachable to children. An appended author's note adds some contemporary context, as well.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft. Events in this elegant retelling are similar to other versions: an elderly couple longing for a child are gifted through magic with a son as big as his father's thumb. Mayer adds a new twist: Tom's greatest triumph is his overcoming a giant who has been plaguing King Arthur's lands. Craft's paintings, at once decorative and interpretive, suit the mood and time. Both words and pictures capture the essence of fairyland.

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2001

(3) 4-6 Mayer opens with the familiar poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," but quickly moves from the secular to the religious as she reveals more about Nicholas, the man behind the myth. Engaging prose relates the generosity of the fourth-century bishop and the miracles he performed. Although some appear blurry, reproductions of medieval and Renaissance paintings add stateliness and elegance to the book.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) YA Drawing from the Apocrypha, other noncanonical sources, and the New Testament, Mayer presents portraits of the twelve apostles, as well as Matthias, who replaced Judas. Reproductions of fine art depicting Jesus' followers contribute to the volume's attractive design. An author's note offers a bit of background information, but the book will be most appreciated by readers already familiar with the Gospels.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mercer Mayer. This welcome reissue combines skilled and elegant storytelling with dramatic illustrations. Rendered in watercolor and ink, deeply romantic pictures are a compelling pictorial partner to this richly imagined retelling. The volume has much to offer a sophisticated reader but remains accessible to a wide audience.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Winslow Pels. Working from a variety of sources, Mayer retells the story of Iron John, the magical wild man who protects the woodland creatures. When Iron John is captured, young Hans sets him free, thereby becoming Iron John's protégé and, eventually, heir to his considerable "wealth and power." The lengthy retelling and the detailed illustrations, full of nature, offer an eye-catching portrait of the mysterious wild man.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Julek Heller. From the British warrior-queen Boadicea to the Japanese heroine Yakami, who killed a sea monster, these stories feature twelve spirited, battle-strong women from around the world. Each overly dramatic account is accompanied by a brief introduction, a somewhat drab full-page watercolor painting, and a spot illustration. For basic information on these heroic women, this is a suitable collection. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 Reproductions of paintings by James Tissot, Fra Angelico, da Vinci, and other artists accompany this account of Christ's birth and childhood, which describes many miracles supposedly performed by Jesus as an infant and young child. Most of the material has been drawn from sources such as the Apocrypha, The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, and other visionary writings. An extensive author's note discusses the sources used.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(3) K-3 Drawing on the Gospels, apocryphal material, and her own imagination, Mayer re-creates, in graceful prose, the early life of the Virgin Mary from her conception and birth to her education, marriage, and the birth of her son Jesus. Fine art paintings by Titian, Giotto di Bondone, and others illustrate the elegant volume. Source notes are appended.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 A cover and endpapers reminiscent of red-checked tablecloths set the tone for fourteen rhymes and related recipes--i.e., "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" is paired with pumpkin muffins. Vibrant illustrations show cheery animals acting out the rhymes and include the finished cooking project. Illuminated letters begin each recipe. A ring binding holds the book flat while adults assist both new and more experienced cooks.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Ordered to kill the fire-breathing, dragon-clawed Chimera, the Greek hero Bellerophon enlists the help of "the winged horse Pegasus." Together they slay the beast and in the process develop a brotherly love for each other. Dark, painterly illustrations set in gold frames heighten the mysticism in this lyrical interpretation of the Greek myth. Horse fans will love this one.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.